>I have to agree on this point, however, with some reservations. On
>occasion, I will allow the horse to select a gait, IF AND ONLY IF, there
>is a choice between two equally attractive options.
>
>Otherwise, I believe the horse must acquiesce to the gait that the rider
>selects, given the balance amongst a whole host of factors: terrain,
>horse's way of going, rider's ability to balance re the former two items,
>horse and/or rider fatique, and most importantly the rider's assessment
>of how well the horse can handle a given speed at a given gait.
I agree with that 100%! I was just being a bit testy in
pointing out that the riders who say "You choose the speed
and let the horse choose the gait" didn't mean, let the
horse run down the trail when you want to walk! (It must
be the unrelenting rain/mud we have here, plus some of the
post from Lynette although informative, have been rather
sarcastic).
Anyway, case in point. I ride gaited horses, both of mine
rack as fast as a hand gallop, and it is their preferred gait.
They also do a running walk and slower rack.
But, mile after mile after mile, they would be using the
same muscles, so I have worked on a canter to change those
muscles working. I is difficult, especially with my
mare, who keeps wanting to break back into a rack again.
Her canter is slower, we are continually working on a
*relaxed canter*, and I do ask her to canter again every
time she breaks back into a rack.
Up until 6 years ago, I rode hunters, and do elementary
dressage, and I do work with my horses with these moves.
In these parts anyway, it is just not possible to find
a dressage instructor who is willing to work with a
gaited horse! ;^)
Jude Hall
Sloshing in Ohio
Redbud & Angel
>
>Case in point: Mr T & Miss B travel at a racing trot with ease and
>efficiency, high safety factor, resonable comfort for rider, at 9-11
>mph. Above that, when T hits 16-18 mph, you'd better stand in the
>stirrups and be darn sure you're on a road or level terrain. He trots
>better and faster than most horses canter/gallop. Miss B doesn't like
>the canter despite having a wonderfully balanced canter gait, she does
>best trotting up to 14 mph on good going. Kasey does a dinky trot up to
>8 mph, with good control & efficiency. Above that, he trips, gets
>uncoordinated and royally uncomfortable. So we canter, 10 mph all
>day--above that pace he again loses control so we SIMPLY DON'T DO IT!!!
>
>And you'll hear Kevin & I going down the trail saying loud & clear to
>whomever we are riding, "I DON'T CARE...!!!" WE CHOOSE THE GAIT...and
>we darn well do whatever it takes to get the gait we want! And we do it
>for however long it takes!
>
>REMEMBER: You must have more time than the horse!
>
>If you don't know speeds, get a friend with a car and measure the gaits.
>If you don't understand collection...get lessons!
>
>This doesn't mean you NEVER let the horse choose--what you do is allow
>the horse to select within carefully defined parameters after YOU have done
>your homework and understand speed/gaits/collection/safety.
>
>I admit I'm conservative...and it's always gotten me home in one piece on
>a sound horse.
>
>Diane @ Safe Haven (a bit adamant on this point! sorry!)
>