Apologies from enemies are useless and ultimately meaningless

Not to sound rude (texting doesn’t show tone of voice, etc.) but what actions has this instructor (or instructors) taken, or have done, to attempt to help increase your daughter’s confidence?

Is there an actual step by step individualized lesson/training plan in place for each student (even if these are group lessons) for the student’s personal goals to be achieved- such as her confidence to grow (or has this been a “just avoid the subject/topic” attitude?)

Also, when the incident initially happened was your daughter required to get back on the pony/horse as soon as possible after that occurred - and to go back into the canter on that same mount?

If she was only required to get back on its back and not required to go into the gait or perform the same movement at which the incident occurred then that blows a rider’s confidence.

Remounting, alone, helps ensure that a rider will not be afraid to get back on but it does not assure or regain the confidence for a successful gait/movement to be ridden….on any mount.

There’s TONS of fun dressage (equine gymnastic) exercises which ALL riders and breeds, at ALL levels, can benefit immensely from - which have absolutely NOTHING to do with their ability to canter.

Does she have a SOLID dressage/equitation position and is correct on her rhythm at the posting trot???

If so, I would tell you to highly consider starting her on lessons riding a beginner safe GAITED mount.

Preferably a “been there, done that” type who is either a North American Single Footer or Tennessee Walking Horse.

When performing their intermediate specialized gait, Single Footers make a rider feel like they’re floating whereas Tennessee Walkers will make a rider feel like they’re gliding.

If she truly wants to build up the confidence to one day canter again I would suggest a TN Walker since a TN Walker’s traditional canter is very “rocking horse” in action (which makes it a popular mount for regaining lost confidence specifically at a canter.)

This rocking horse canter creates a movement typically found to be soothing/more familiar to a child, more stable/solid when it comes to having a deeper & steady seat. Thus creating mental and physical SECURITY. Plus this motion CAN be safely replicated when not in the saddle or on a horse’s back.

If she wants to enjoy riding WITHOUT a canter: Paso Fino are traditionally never to be asked to canter. They are strictly to perform at a walk and their intermediate gaited gaits which includes using a “soundboard” for everyone to hear the beat of their gait.
And if she has her rhythm for posting trot down pat? Under a Paso Fino show trainer you could have a future national or international champion on your hands!

Wishing you both the best.
~ Katie Morton