Re: RC: A picture is worth a thousand words (was: Up Hill orDown)

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/12/00 5:55:13 AM Pacific Standard Time, woa@stormnet.com 
writes:

<< I'm in the wrong corral if that's the case because all my offspring trot 
like
 dressage horses  >>

One does have to qualify what one means by "extended trot."  The long, low, 
daisy-cutting extended trot as done by dressage horses is wonderful, and is 
not terribly concussive.  Also, as done by dressage horses, it is a gait you 
can ask for when it is appropriate, not "THE" way of going of the horse.  The 
trot that causes problems is the "English" trot for which many show breeders 
select.  This "big" trot is very concussive, and often does lead to problems 
over time.  There are horses that can put on the "English" trot for fun out 
in the pasture, but for whom it is not their natural way of going--when 
confronted with long miles, they will ease back to a long, low, efficient 
stride.  It is the ease and efficiency you're after, and I'd take that over 
stride length if I had to choose between one or the other.  Those who can 
extend without losing that easy movement are nice.

Heidi


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