My coming four-year-old TWH does the stepping pace when we gait fairly slowly. However, when asking for any speed, he breaks into a hard pace. I've had him for about a year and walk him about 98% of the time. I've started him slowly and have gradually asked for more reach and speed at the walk but as soon as he breaks into gait, its pace,pace,pace. His gait gets very rough when going downhill. That is his gait of choice in the pasture as well. He likes to travel with his head up high so I'm sure his back is far from rounded. I've been trying to get him to lower his head and round his back but so far, no luck. Any suggestions?

Hi Brenda,

I just purchased a turning 4 year old TWH who has had no professional training. He predominantly does the trot and occasionally will do the running walk when coming down from the canter, but then only for 3-4 strides. This is my first gaited horse having ridden dressage most of my life. I haven't been able to find a trainer in my area.... Rouge Valley of Southern Oregon.

What is a half halt? Is it something that's only good for dressage riders, or is this good for gaited horses too?

Marilyn M.

Hi Brenda-

 

I'm not keen on bareback riding. While it sounds all-natural and spiritually uplifting, the truth is that our seat bones tend to grind into the sensitive muscles on the horse's back as we follow its motion. If you don't think this is true, get on your hands and knees and haul a little child around on your back for a while. It hurts, and we have less rounded muscle to be poked into than most horses. Plus, no matter how good one rides, bareback is a less secure seat (you talk about the potential for losing your balance. . .and that potential is greater, bareback). Not only is this unnerving in itself for the horse, but any wrecks involving a person being thrown is not only dangerous for the person, but traumatizing for the horse.

If you like bareback riding, try one of the Bob Marshall treeless Sports Saddles. I bet you'll LOVE it. Basically, it's like riding bareback, but with stirrups, and much greater protection for your horse's back. These saddles are good for people who enjoy very close contact with their horse. They are not for roping or ponying from, but very useful for pleasure riding. I highly recommend you check out this option with Gerri Rini at First Choice Sports Saddle. The beauty of these saddles is also that even people who have a naturally high center of gravity (which makes bareback riding much more difficult), can enjoy close contact riding.

Happy trails!