Ex-trotter dragging its feet

As a former trotting horse, your horse is built to push forward with the hind legs and throw the front legs forward, which is quite different from ridden work, where the focus is on collecting and carrying herself under the rider. If your horse still drags her feet, it may be because her conformation and muscling are still adapting to her new job as a riding horse. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Build strength and carrying ability: Trotters need time to develop strength and the ability to carry themselves in their new role. Keep working on exercises that strengthen the hindquarters and encourage the horse to take more weight onto the hind legs.

Ongoing hoof care: The hooves are affected by this change too. The farrier plays an important part by adapting the trimming and shoeing to the changing load, which helps the horse to move more efficiently over time.

Tailored schooling: Ridden exercises that strengthen the horse's back and hindquarters, such as transitions, pole work and slow, collected riding, can be very effective. They help the horse find better balance and build the muscles she needs to lift her feet more in movement.

It takes time to adapt a trotter to ridden work, so be patient and keep building her strength gradually. Good luck.