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Brenda Imus Gaited Horse Info and Products
How (and Why) to Retrain that Pacey Horse

 Pacing Horses

 

Many gaited horses – indeed, it seems the the majority of them  – will perform a pace or stepping pace as their preferred gait. While it’s always our intent to encourage natural gait action, it is best to try to bring the strongly lateral horse as close to the center of the gait spectrum as possible, and this for its own long-term welfare.

 

A horse that paces is moving one set of lateral, or same side, legs in perfect unison, creating an even 2-beat gait, with a moment of suspension between one set of feet picking up and the opposite set striking the ground. The motion of the pace is from side to side, and because of the suspension, there’s also some up and down movement. No fun for the rider!

 

The stepping pace is nearly identical to the pace, except that the hind foot sets down a split second before the same side forefoot. This eliminates suspension, and the resultant concussion, that occurs in a straight pace.

 

Sometimes a step pace is a smooth gait for the rider. But any horse executing it will be going in a strung-out manner that places too much weight over the front end, and discourages proper balance and collection. In other words, the horse will land heavily on each front leg, while each hind leg will be hyper-extended behind it before the weight comes off, placing excessive stress on the hocks and stifle joints. This frequently results in problems with the soundness of these structures. It also encourages a ventroflexed – hollow backed – frame, making the horse hard to fit for saddle, and weakened throughout its topline. Since the horse’s back muscle (the longissimus dorsi) is the largest muscle in its body, we should keep it strong and healthy for as long as possible.

 

Pace isn’t only unfortunate for the horse, however. The most common complaint I receive, by far, is from people who have horses with extremely uncomfortable pace gaits under saddle. Many of these poor souls despair of ever being able to retrain these horses, yet are emotionally attached to them.

 

Many people do not realize there is a problem with the pace or step pace, and believe it is a correct saddle gait. One highly respected mainstream equestrian magazine ran a feature article on the subject of gaited horses, and every photo in the article showed horses, with widely grinning riders, performing fast pace or step pace gaits!

           

  

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NEW! The Imus 4-Beat E-LITE

 This is not Just "Another" Lite Saddle!

 

4-Beat LITE

Due to popular demand, we are proud to introduce the remarkably popular Imus 4-Beat saddle. . .with all of its premium features. . .in a new, LITE model!
 
All of the features that make the Imus 4-Beat saddle the most popular gaited horse saddle in the world, are replicated exactly in this LITE version! It features the Imus 4-Beat's exclusive saddle tree, with flexible tree bars, that allows the rider to sit directly over the horse's true center of gravity, while offering unprecedented freedom of motion throughout the horse's topline, and eliminating pressure on the vulnerable loin area. The web-suspended, hand crafted leather ground seat allows the rider to have a close 'feel' for the horse's motion, increasing effective communication.  We've included premium Supracor© medical grade padding, permanently installed under the tree bars, and in the seat, to provide ultimate riding comfort - free of any pressure soreness -  for both horse and rider. The Supracor® padding also ensures enough 'forgiveness' in the angle of the tree bars that - standard or wide - the tree will fit your horse perfectly. Imus' center-fired rigging secures the saddle front to back, eliminating the need for a rear cinch, and removes any potential for the saddle being thrust forward and hitting the horse's wither/shoulder with each stride. It also does away with bulky knots under the rider's leg, and eliminates the common problem of galling on the barrel, just behind the horse's elbow. The slightly forward-set stirrups relieves pressure on the rider's hips, knees and ankles, and encourages a comfortable, secure 'balanced bareback' style of riding most appropriate for any type of gaited horse (though this saddle is quickly catching on in the non-gaited world, as well). The lovely, hand-tooled leather portion of the saddle carries the unique 4-Beat Logo. Don't let the word "Lite" fool you - this premium, light-weight saddle has the heart of a champion!
 
The saddle comes standard with light-weight, durable polymar wide tread, padded stirrups and tough nylon web rigging on both sides. (We reserve the right to upgrade the stirrups to the Imus 4-Beat™ Supracor© padded leather stirrup - depending upon product availability.)
 
The only thing we've eliminated in this version of the Imus 4-Beat™ saddle - is weight!  We've replaced the leather skirts and fenders with light-weight, premium grade, durable and easy-care cordura. Black with brown piping,  we believe it is the classiest looking cordura on the market today - and you will agree.
 
We've had unprecedented demand for this product, and are pleased that we can offer it in time for the 2008 holiday season. Remember. . .there are 'inexpensive' or 'cheap' Lite saddles. . .but this saddle is in a class all its own. Premium features and materials guarantee you a lifetime of pleasure - and an easy-to-handle saddle that will give you - and your horse - many, many years of comfortable riding pleasure. Order confidently, knowing that we stand behind every saddle with our 'no questions asked' two-week saddle fit guarantee.
 
We expect a high demand for this product, so don't miss out:  if you want to be sure to get your saddle in time for the holidays, order todayI!
  
The Imus 4-Beat saddle: "Better for the Horse. . .Easy on the Rider!"
 
Seat Sizes: 16", 17"
Tree Widths: Standard, Wide
Weight: Approx. 21 lbs.
Price: $1,445.00
 
Shown with optional matching Saddlebag, (optional matching saddle pad also available).
 

 

 

 
The Imus Comfort™ Bit - outselling all others!

 Imus Comfort Bit 

This revolutionary bit has taken the horse world by storm! It features a barrel shaped mouthpiece that allows ample tongue relief, and therefore rolls smoothly over the tongue, rather than biting into those sensitive tissues. The mouthpiece is designed to extend from 1/8" to 1/2" beyond the horse's cheeks on either side, and fits mouths from 4 1/2" to 5 1/2" wide. This eliminates chafing at the corners of the lips, and encourages the horse to drop softly into the bit, rather than stiffening up against it. The pinchless center roller and bushings, and independent side-to-side action, allow the rider to work a horse laterally, pick up a shoulder, use a leading rein, or perform a correct one rein stop. You never will startle or 'grab' your horse by the mouth with this bit, as the the ratio of the purchase (upper shank) to the curb (lower shank) gives the horse a logical, sequential 1-2-3/poll-chin groove-mouth cue when the rider takes hold of a rein. If you've ever wondered if your horse would perform better in a different bit, you owe to yourself, and your horse, to try this amazing piece of equipment. 

 

Though I often receive expressions of gratitude for the products I've brought to market, I can promise you nothing makes me happier than to have your feedback!  I so appreciate those of you who take the time to write. This came in just this morning:

I just had to write you about my experience with the Imus Comfort Gait bit. In today's world, it is so easy to become jaded by the multitude of claims for "fix it" products. So, when I was first told and read about the Imus bit, I was skeptical. However, after being unhappy with the way the heavy, and often pinchy way my traditional bit/bridle setup for my Tennessee Walker treated him, I decided to give it a try. It is the best $70, I've spent on tack for my horse. I've used it on a ride twice now and my laid back, somewhat lazy Walker has gaited beautifully with barely a request from me. I wouldn't have believed it unless I experienced it. My trail riding friend has been so impressed by the change, she is ordering one for her Walker as well.

Thanks for making something that really works. I know my horse thanks you too.

Nancy Webb

Price: $69.95

Buy Now

 

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Feedback on my New Products

I love the feedback on the two new products I recently introduced: the Imus 4-Beat Saddle Pad, and the new Breathe Easy Cinch.

 

4-Beat Waxwear Pad

I got to try my new 4-Beat pad and new Cinch out.  Unbelieveable!  No kidding, the pad did great, not too thick, never slid back, seems to dry out pretty good.  Then the girth, it stayed in place and I didn't have to keep tightening it up.  I have had a problem with my saddle slipping back.  My pad must of not been right and it was suggested that I try a shorter girth.  I had been using a 32"  *** with a roller buckle.  On my last two long rides I kept tighting the girth trying to prevent the saddle sliding back and after the rides, there were knots swollen on both sides of my horse where the buckle was.  I felt bad, but  last night after riding with my new 4-Beat equipment, there was no swelling. . .Thank You Brenda for such great products and thanks to everyone relating their  stories and suggestions.

 

Pam, GOG Message Board Member

 

Breathe Easy Cinch

Just wanted to let everyone know my new cinch came in and boy this one was so worth the wait. Brenda ,this maybe my favorite product for my horse yet. (The Ride 'n Tie bridle and 4-Beat saddle help with my comfort too.) No guilt when I cinched him up tonight. I could even feel him relax instead of blowing out. It just feels nice. Maybe my imagination but I even think he was more relaxed under saddle, more sensitive to my leg etc. My Imus saddle was sitting where it was suppose to be after we rode and it seems to me that the cinch had not slipped either.

 

R.S. Moody

Chesapeake, VA

 

I bought my first Spotted Saddle Horse last spring.  I had a very difficult year with him last year, and I was getting pretty discouraged; especially, when I attended a private clinic last December and my horse was classified as dangerous for me.  However, I DO NOT give up that easily!  I knew I had to learn to understand this horse and really figure out what I needed to do...long story short...along with other problems, I was having extreme difficulty in finding a saddle that would fit him and me.  I saw and ad in the Trail Riding Magazine about the Imus 4-Beat Saddle, and got online and read Brenda's articles.  Low and Behold, the problems described in her article about Saddle Fitting Problems were exactly what I was experiencing....and I had tried 4 different Saddles.  Also, my horse was refusing to gait anymore...he would only Trot....I was constantly being thrown forward and it was a Miserable ride.

After reading about the Imus 4-Beat Saddle and the Imus Comfort Bit, I ordered the entire outfit...Western Saddle with matching Breast Collar/Saddle Pad and the Imus Comfort Bit.  I just want to tell you, how excited and truly thrilled I am with Everything.  My horse loves it........I absolutely love it....total Comfort for us both, and with the Bit he is Gaiting like the horse I dreamed about.  Brenda, I cannot Thank You enough!  I am finally, totally enjoying my new equine partner.  It is truly Amazing.

Sincerely,

Kathy from Ohio

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Gaited Horse Community!

 Horses & Riders

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Our Gaits of Gold Community Messageboard supplies a HUGE wealth of professional information regarding training gaited horses, and we just plain like having fun! Over 1500 members and growing!

 

Free Training Articles!

Gaits Of A Horse In A Nutshell Every saddle gait falls somewhere on the gait spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the totally lateral pace. When a horse paces, two same side legs ...  Full article...

Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse: Part I A common physical affliction among gaited horses is upward fixation of the patella, otherwise known as locking stifles.The symptoms of this may be so ...  Full article...

Messageboard Member Post Dear Gaits of Gold Friends, Following are two message board posts that appeared on our web site a short while ago. The board member, Retta (aka: ...  Full article...

Developing Impulsion (Part II) Last month I discussed the importance of developing your horse’s fast walk with impulsion from behind. This exercise cannot be overdone, if you ...  Full article...

Mining for Gold: Discover your Horse's best Innate Gait I’m often asked if my books or video contain information about training a Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, or other specific breed ...  Full article...

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Types and Talents of Various Gaited Horses I frequently remind people that a horse’s saddle gait is more dependent upon conformation than upon registration. This is equally true of any kind of ...  Full article...

Ten Tips for Finding and Keeping the Gait 1.) Don’t expect your young, or new, horse to gait very well right “out of the box.” Young horses need time–often a full ...  Full article...

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Is your Horse's Manner of Gaiting Destroying His Body? A while ago I was talking with a fellow who owns a gaited horse breeding and showing facility. He was telling me about a recent clinic that had been ...  Full article...

How (and Why) to Retrain that Pacey Horse     Many gaited horses – indeed, it seems the the majority of them  – will perform a pace or stepping pace as their preferred gait. ...  Full article...

Determine Which Gait Your Horse is Performing Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the gait spectrum, (you have, haven’t you?), it’s time to determine what gait your horse ...  Full article...

When You're Not Hot to Trot: How to Work with Trotty Horses It can sometimes be more of a challenge to 'smooth out' the gaits of a horse with a strong trot tendency than it is to work with a pacier ...  Full article...

Spring Training for the Gaited Horse While a horse may seem especially frisky and energetic in the spring, be aware that all that energy doesn't necessarily mean they're in good ...  Full article...

Developing Impulsion (Part I) The most common problem I discover when dealing with gaited horses is their lack of forward impulsion. This isn’t a horse problem so much as it ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part II) Beginning Exercises for the Hollow Backed HorseMy last aticle outlined steps that can be taken when working from the ground to help relieve problems ...  Full article...

New Article! 10 Common Bit Myths Myth #1: There is no such thing as a harsh bit, but only harsh hands. Myth #2: Any bit can be severe in the wrong hands. Myth #3: Bits with ...  Full article...

How, and When, Should I Canter (or Trot) My Gaited Horse?   One of the most common questions I hear from gaited horse owners is whether it is all right to canter, or to trot, their gaited horse. In ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part III) Now that you’ve learned how to do exercises from the ground for your hollow backed horse, and have made sure that your tack isn’t causing ...  Full article...

A Weighty Subject - by Brenda Imus I’ve had some folks e-mail to tell me that they’ve gone to a trainer or clinician who used light weights and other gait training ...  Full article...

Gaining Control of the Horse that Rushes One of the most common problems presented to me at a clinic or expo demonstration is that of a gaited horse that has little or no ‘whoa.’ ...  Full article...

You Can Collect That Gaited Horse For the past couple of years there has been a growing controversy in the gaited horse world regarding the right way to train and ride a gaited horse. ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part I) The poor form in which gaited horses are commonly ridden predestines a high percentage of them to becoming hollow or sway backed. This results in ...  Full article...

Establishing Authority The horse who is disrespectful is usually one who has not learned to trust its handler with its safety and well being. In such cases, horses with ...  Full article...

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Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle

The Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle is the ultimate must-have haler/bridle combo for the serious pleasure trail rider!

Halter bridle combinations are a great idea, no doubt about it. Who wants to risk taking off their horse's bridle when it's time to stop for a lunch break out on the trail? Let's face it, riding with a bridle over the top of a regular halter just isn't, well. . .pretty. The Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle solves this problem!™ 

 

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