AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensuring the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Organizations ASPCA, Desert Valley Equestrians, Arizona Equestrian Network, The Equestrian Paddock, & Equine Photographers Network
Publications The Equestrian Paddock & Soon I will be announce another online publication featuring my monthly articles.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Awards and Honors Graduated High School with High Honors, College GPA 4.0, OHJA & KHJA Year End Equitation Championships as a junior rider, & ASPCA Maclay Class & USET Class wins.
Past/Present Clients In the past I have worked for and with Laurie Story, Mindy Darst & Lochmoor Stables, Chris & Matt Payne, Scott Taylor, Camargo Stables, Marianne Murphy, the Lindner family, Brigette Carlson, Bobbi Theis, Cincinnati Theraputic Riding, Sweetwater Stables, Lucy Alibaster, Los Cedros, and Leslie Stohlgren. Currently I am working with private clients.
Question Hi, my name is Heather and I am 15 years old. I have owned my own horse for 3 years now, and I do pleasure riding and some jumping. Recently when I have been riding my 16 y/o arabian mare, she has been trying to move into a canter whenever i ask her to trot. She is very highstrung. If we are walking and I give her the cue to trot, she will canter in place some and then try to move forward in a canter. She has only done this recently.I would like to be able to have fun safe rides with her, and maybe show some this summer. How do I get her to trot? Thank you!
Answer I can give you a few tips, although ultimately you will need to carefully review the situation and try to see what initially caused this "symptom". Correcting the source of the issue is going to have more success.
There is the obvious "woah" and pulling back on the reins to slow her down. Other more subtle or less known techniques include: half halts, changing your weight in your seat, and turning her inward off the track in a circle.
I stress again though, since this is a situation that has recently developed, the cantering is a symptom of something else. Find that something else, correct or resolve that, and your bound to have better results.
