Slowing the canter

Specs seems to get excited when I let him out to canter, and always wants to just keep going faster and faster until I remind him to slow up. How do I get that nice slow, western pleasure ish gait?

I don't think you want a western pleasure gait, your looking at two ends if the spectrum! First I would probably lunge him and let him get out all his yee-haws out in a safe place. Then he will be more open to learning, not running! To get him to slow down under saddle I would work him in a circle, this will not allow him to pick up speed. If he does bring your circle in smaller then gradually bring him out as he stays calm. Make sure your seat isn't urging him forward! Keep those hips locked and slow. I also press more weight in my stirrups to ask her to slow up (works on my reining how). Try to incorporate a verbal cue too, I use the word
"slooooowwwwww".
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Haha okay thanks! :) I'll definitely try the circling thing!