I trained American Saddle Horses for several years
and I can definately say these horses are NOT born with a lateral gait.
They walk, trot and canter just like any ungaited breed. The slow gait
(stepping pace) is taught as is the rack. I believe almost any horse can
be taught a lateral gait, but sometimes it isn't easy. I've had some
saddlebreds that were extremely difficult to teach lateral gaits, but I've never
seen one that couldn't be taught. I've seen individuals from many
different breeds that are not naturally gaited, but learn to gait to protect
their mouths from rough hands.
Linda Courts
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