First dressage lesson with my horse next Thurs!!

Hey all.
I am excited to say I have finally made a date to have a dressage lesson with my horse Tiny,
It has been touch and go for us with his joint issues, but since he started his Adequan he has really improved a bunch!
We have been working on bending and contact. It has been going pretty good so far and one of the Dressage instructors complimented me today on what we have been doing and the improvements we have made!

One thing with him is it takes a bit of time for him to get to a point where he is relaxed enough to listen. All this is so new to him ... the big barn and all the activities. So when we start out I usually warm up for quite some time. He has less of an attention span in the indoor arena, which is in the center of the ranch's big barn. When riding in the indoor there is always so much going on all around that he usually walks around with his head high and on alert for a while before relaxing. But...work in progress.

A few things I am open for suggestions on is 1.) we had worked on standing at the mounting block before I started riding him, but for some reason he now moves as soon as I step on the block. Any suggestions!
2.) he has developed some issues with bolting when he gets frightened. For instance, he and I rode by some big black tires and sure enough he looked at them crooked and then bolted sideways.
Now...I know when he is about to do it so I am usually prepared when it happens. There has also been a few things that have scared him while I am on the ground ( a mini donkey for one) and I understand the fight or flight but I am now faced with having to deal with him disrespecting my space when he is frightened.

I have not had to deal with either issue in the past so I have my work cut out for me here...
It is a saftey issue that needs immediatee attention!

Halfpass

I am glad you are going for a dressage lesson. Very fun and teaches you alot.

With the mounting block issue, try getting someone to hold him still at the block. When you get on him with the mounting block, do you fall onto his back or dig into his sides? Maybe he is associating the mounting block with fear or pain, and is trying to run away.

The bolting can become very dangerous and is scary for riders. When you feel he is showing symptoms of wanting to bolt, get ready to hold him, make sure he doesn't get away with you. If you are too late, pull hard with one rein, bringing his head to your foot. He won't be able to run fast and straight and will have no choice but to slow down.