Hello! So I've been taking lessons for around a year and can still hardly trot without dying so uh, I have arrived to ask for some tips. My biggest issue is I am never assertive with the horse in riding, so they do whatever they want. I also am always nervous and tense in the saddle which usually leads to me bouncing in the saddle while trotting, which the horse obviously doesn't like a 94 pound object bouncing around on a already heavy object on their back while they try to do their job.

I'd tell your trainer what's going on first, maybe they can give you th "old reliable" of the stable.

I learned to trot western with a post so if you're not doing that already it might be good to try it. It's a good way to get yourself feeling a bit more comfortable without having to deal with the flopping around.

You should definitely discuss your issues with your trainer. :) They are right there watching you and can give more exciting advice than people that have never seen you ride. ;) If, however, after over a year they havent been able to teach you how to sit a trot, you might want to consider finding a better instructor.

I ride English competitively now, but I used to ride western. I would just recommend that you relax, nothing is gonna happen. The horse you are riding on for lessons is most likely not gonna do anything naughty, he is a lesson horse. Your trainer wouldn’t feel comfortable putting you on a horse that is a bit naughty. The horse I stared out on when I was four was super easy and sweet. When you become a better rider, you will want a naughty horse to train you, but for now you have a nice horse :) my horse bucks, rears, bolts, spooks, and everything that exists, but I am still comfortable on her. As long as you start out fine, everything else in the future will be easier.