[Showrider]

Originally Posted by John

Was he also traind to stop at stop signs?

Hahaha if so, send him my way please.

[Bernardo]

Sounds like the smelling the boot thing isn't working because you can't get him to canter off.

Honestly, first step, get him listening to you without him having to smell your boot. Personally I find it a bit ridiculous, no offense. Sounds more like a superstition then me, and the reason he acts up is because you expect him too.

Next,
To canter off my western horses, first step is pick you hand up and ask them to collect. I normally hold on my mare because bumping causes her to instantly lock up and bring her head up in a reaction because of previous riding before we got her. Anyways, pick up hold (gently) - I think about tipping their nose in a tiny bit, but you don't want them to bend you want them to be straight, then I'll take my inside leg off and in that same motion come on with my outside leg back on the barrel. And ask them to lope off, then after a strides I put my hand down and ride it.