This is how I feel about allowing my horse to change gaits during a ride.
If we are trotting along and my horse wants to canter, he asks me. I know
that sounds weird, but I can 'feel' it and know that what he wants to do,
then I give him a sublte cue that it okay to canter. If I don't think it is
okay, then we don't do it. When we come upon rocks, he will slow down to a
walk - this is something he has developed the brains to do on his own and I
do not tell him otherwise. I would like to think that my horse has some
sense to choose what gait is easiest for him to neogotiate changing terrain.
I realize that during a race some horses get excited and all that logic
flies right out the window and we have to take over. I am lucky so far that
with this one horse in particular he seems to keep a level head and use his
brain. I think this comes with lots and lots of arena work and training him
that when he goes into one gait he stays there until cued to do otherwise.
(though he does ask -he doesn't just change gaits on me)
>If you are allowing the horse to choose the gait he wants to ride in,
>how is the horse to understand all of a sudden that he can't choose
>the gait and NOW he has to let you choose the gait! Of course he
>is going to throw a fit.
Mine haven't been upset when they have to do what I ask after being allowed
to make decisions on their own. On the contrary, I think my horse
appreciates the fact that I allow him to make decisions and it gives him
more confidence and I have more trust him. I guess I give my horse more
credit than some people - we have a very close bond which has come from us
working together as a team.
> A HORSE DOES NOT HAVE
>ENOUGH SENSE TO CHOOSE WHAT IS BEST FOR HIM. The rider
>should have the sense to know what is best for him or herself and her horse.
>You don't leave such important decisions up to the horse.
I think that some horses do have enough sense. Sure some will get excited
during a race and the rider should take over. The rest of the time (which
if any of you are like me - we spend a lot more time trail riding than doing
actual endurance rides) - I don't see why the horse can't be encouraged to
develope his own sensibilities and make decisions too. I don't think that
the horse choosing his gait is the same as letting him choose the speed
either - sometimes my horse will just want to canter a few strides, switch
leads, a few more strides and back to a trot again. We never change speed
when doing this - and I ride this horse with a rope halter and I do not have
to fight him. I am interested in hearing everybody elses opnions and what
they do.
Karen in Gardnerville
& Dream Weaver