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 Hey. One of my horses who I've owned for a while has a cross cantering problem. He used to race, so I kneww that that could be a problem. He has an even muscle tone throughout the body and I do alot of gymnastics with him, trotting, cavalettis. I've owned him for about 7 years, And its taken him 7 years to keep weight on, to gain muscle. So this cross cantering thing which only happens in corners or when cutting the ring, any type or having to turn. So i know its a balance issue but i cant figure out how to get him to stop doing it.
Thank you soo much!
Answer Hi Katie!
It's good to hear from you again! Because the horse came from the track I am going to assume you are experiencing troubles with just the right lead. If both leads result in cross cantering then apply my advice equally to both directions.
At one end of the ring track a 20 meter circle to the right. During your session, spend extra time working on a balanced trot. When you canter, be sure you have a light feel of your horse in your hands. Try not to interfere with his motion even if he gets heavy. As you hold a slight inside bend be sure he isn't leaning on your outside hand. If he leans, ask for the trot and work in some half halts. Continue trotting until he has balanced himself. Then resume the canter. Any time he swaps to his incorrect lead or leans on your outside hand, bring him down to the trot and use the half halts. Spend a few training sessions focused like this. He will eventually find his own balance on his right hind leg. When he does this problem should go away. If the problem persists, then you need to evaluate how you might be interfering.
