I love foals! I do remember hearing about stick stifle before but I've never actually seen a horse that has it. About the trotting poles, all i can say is practice makes perfect! (EDIT: Maybe you should try some really colorful poles so he won't just plough into them?) The canter thing was really difficult with me and Limppu also but I just didn't give up and eventually we really made progress You just got to make sure you get your message through to the horse!