The rack is the most tiring of all the gaits. Im sure Bruce is not asking his foxtrotter to rack because that is not the gait of choice with a foxtrotter. In fact, I don't think foxtrotters "rack" at all. Its an aweful looking gait where they lift the legs un- naturally high. I hate seeing it. It looks freakish . And what's worse, they often shoe the horses to make them lift even higher and then wonder why they end up with navicular or worse.
Foxtrotters have a smooth mixed up gait where they walk in the front and trot in the back. It is not hard on them. It is NOT pacing...It is perfect for trail riding...They can pick through mountains and rocks like an Arab, But whether or not they have the stamina of an Arabian, is yet to be seen. I am an avid Arab fan and have been watching and studying the gaited breeds for years. The only one that I really like is the foxtrotter. I think they have potential.
Good luck Bruce !!!! We will be watching you during the webcast.
My dad had a really nice racking/walking mare. Her name was Prissy.
when she started to get tired, she would start to pace. I've seen many
other gaited horses do the same, and what you described is basically
what I have seen. Mixing it up.....I just don't think they can or will or
even should be asked to hold a true rack for 100 miles. And over rough
terrain, I don't see how they could. Of course no breed horse should have
to hold the same gait for 100 miles. They need to use different muscles.
Jody
Bruce Weary DC <bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Jody-- My foxtrotter mare will gait through a 100. She mixes it up a bit with foxtrot, running walk, rack and pacing, but she rarely trots. It is rare, though. I think we will see ever more gaited horses on the endurance trail and better candidates will surface with time and experience. We will see if this mare can finish Tevis this year. I'm told two foxtrotters have already accomplished that feat. Just think of the money I'm saving on ibuprofen. Dr Q
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