[Elessar]

I've been riding for over 30 years and it was over 20 years before I felt comfortable and confident at a canter/lope. Early in my riding I would ask the horse to move out and immediately pull back trying to lean on the reins and "hold on." This extremely bad habit caused lots of confusion, anxiety and problems with my horses. Then I bought my current horse and he taught me that riding at the lope can be quiet and comfortable and safe. I still haven't tried a full out gallop but I expect that in our future.

Ride your ride and work through you own issues at your speed. Anyone who pushes you too fast doesn't have your welfare at heart.