Re: New horse - issues in arena!

 I completely agree with what dollymix has to say but have a little more to add from a human perspective. You say the canter is rushed and he can only achieve canter from a fast trot. If you look at the first bit, as dollymix says, this could be the illusion of being in a smaller space and/or the canter could be rushed because you're nervous/apprehensive of what it is you're doing and transferring these emotions to your horse. So perhaps, as well as gradually increasing your schooling work with him, focus on making yourself relax. Deep breaths, mentally working through every muscle in your body (start at the top and work down, or the bottom and work up - depending on where you feel the most tense) and relaxing each muscle individually and even thinking 'slowly' will all help to relax you which, in turn, will relax him.

You say you're already having lessons on him. Does your instructor remark on your body position and how relaxed (or not) you are or is this something you could discuss with your instructor for them to focus on with you? Sometimes someone just telling you to drop your shoulders, relax your hips and stop tensing at the knees is all you will need. I have found that people I have taught in similar situations to yours also 'fix' their hands and tense a lot through the shoulders, arms and wrists/hands. Fixed hands on your horse's mouth will never lead to a nice ride and he won't thank you for it!

If you can hack out with someone who can instruct you on your position (as it should be in the school (and out hacking but everyone likes to be more 'comfy' out hacking!!)) then even better. That way you can work on your position and feeling relaxed in all three gaits so you develop a feel of how it should be when you go in the school. That way you know exactly what it is you're trying to achieve and what it feels like rather than having an idea but not being sure how to get there by the most effective route.

And don't be afraid to try a few schooling exercises while you're hacking. Big circles in all three gaits (go easy in the canter - slipping on wet/greasy grass is unnerving for horse and rider) and slowing/quickening the gait (can be done in all three gaits) using only your seat and a half halt while in an open space will also help you develop a feel and sensitivity through your seat so you know what really pushes his buttons or chills him out. A tense bottom will lead to your horse's back being tense and if you're tense your horse thinks there must be something frightening that you need to run away from and so you will go faster! A deep breath, rolling back and down of the shoulders and relaxing your bottom will make a difference before you even start!

Also, one last thing(!), try to remove/ignore/forget the rushing experiences you have had while schooling previously. If you go in apprehensive then so will your horse. If you can forget the rushing from the previous session, go in with a clear frame of mind and relaxed body it will all help to prevent your horse from becoming nervous and apprehensive. 

I hope this has helped and if you need any more advice please give me a shout.

Re: New horse - issues in arena!

do you have lessons in a group or on your own? if you are in a group maybe invest in some lessons that is just you and your horse...

you say you ride other horses occasionally..does this mean other people ride your horse as well? I know it's the wrong thing to say as it's sort of giving up but maybe someone with a little more experience could start him off in the school and just get him a bit more supple etc for you before you take over?

now don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting leaving all his learning curve up to someone else I'm just saying if he had a little more knowledge of what is expected of him from someone with a little more confidence than yourself then you would feel more confident with it and so then you could both continue to learn together and you would both feel better...all I'm talking is maybe 2 or 3 lessons nothing extensive.

Or if you don't want to do that get another rider who is quite experienced this may or may not be your instructor (sometimes I find instructors are good at teachhing but out of practice actually riding) to stand with you in the school and go through exactly what they would do with the horse and how then your doing the work and getting to know the horse and hes getting to know you and you will grow your confidence.

Hope you find something that suits you both good luck :)