Something I’ve been observing with our distance horses
(all non-gaited) is that the ones that stride out with a good walk and trot are
not as competent at high speeds down hill as those with a short fast stride.One mare is an arab/ASB cross with a
short humerus compared to her shoulder, is short strided and for various reasons not thrilled about slight downhills. But
put her on a decent slope and she can really move – and I believe may disassociate
the foot falls as someone mentioned as possible.She is also extremely competent on the
slipperiest of footing – my guess is her foot coming down more vertically.I think of her as a sewing machine –
she can trot at over 16mph, but she takes almost twice as many strides to do
it.
I’ve got 2 other arabs
and a mustang that are shorter in stride but excel on the down hills. And 2 arabs with excellent stride (both can walk well over
5mph) and neither are comfortable (themselves or for the rider) at a decent speed
down hills.I’ve really been
paying attention to this because I used to be terrified of trotting downhills, but the first group I mentioned have really made
a difference in my riding.
Well, that’s my 6 rat study anyhow!I’d sure love to find one that is
good both ways – I’m sure they’re out there, but may be hard
to find.
