Hi,
I currently share a 15hh thoroughbred horse. After a huge scare with my last share, i wanted a confidence giver. Tango is close enough but, as i say, he is a thoroughbred, and he is pretty hyper.
Basically i was going to set goals for us, Daily/weekly. So, i see him twice a week, on Sunday i went to try him out (on the lunge) and all went well so we went ahead with it. My goal by the end of this week is to be able to trot him off the lunge. Does this sound okay? And by the end of next week cantering on the lunge?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlrkt4epSfE
This was him when I tried him out. The photos are me but the video is his owner. ^^

I think so..............

that poor horse obviously wants that person to stop hauling on his mouth in that harsh bit!!! If you're light in the hand, and a confident rider, you'll probably be able to help him by not holding his mouth so TIGHT jeeeez and letting him know that by collecting he'll eventually get release. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Depending on your confidence and how you get along, that could be ok! But PLEASE tell that other lady to take some riding lessons...I hate watching people hold their horses SO TIGHT without ANY release(hence the head throwing because he couldn't escape the constant pressure) especially in a harsh bit, that's just cruel :( I normally try not to be mean, but that actually is depressing, poor horse, i hope you can do good by him :) He's probably the sweetest little horse :)

As for your goals: maybe, have you cantered a lot before? If so, that would probably be ok. If not, you'll need more experience with that horse at a slower pace, so that you can get used to him , and figure out "his buttons" and how to make him look his best etc.

Good luck!

Personal goals are the best thing you can do but don't set yourself up to fail.
When the time comes to canter and you don't feel right, don't do it. Just set it a little more forward :-) pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

I'm sorry if this doesn't concern me, but the owner's riding. I'll just say this- don't pick up any habits from her.

I have to say, I agree qwith the other answers, about the owner. The horse doesn't enjoy it, obviously...

BUT, we're here to answer your question! So, setting goals is a great idea, I do it all the time. But you have to be careful. Since you started riding that horse just now, concentrate on smaller goals, like the one you have, trotting by the end of the week off the lunge. But until you get to know him a little better, just set one goal at a time. To set you an example, it's ok to have in mind that the next thing you want to achieve is canter, but don't set a specific date yet. Finish with the trotting first, you ll be able to be more realistic about the timing once you finish that one.

Then, you 'll see that as the weeks pass, you'll be more comfortable setting goals further in the future, cause you will know much better what your horse is like. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

And most important: Take it easy and have fun with it! If you will, the horse will too!

I think that's a brilliant idea :) that way you'll make progress in your own time. I agree with the others, definitely don't pick up habits from the owner! And I hope he canters better for you when you feel ready. He looks like a pretty little horse and I hope he helps you :) x