ridecamp@endurance.net: Canter and the gaited horse

Canter and the gaited horse

Truman Prevatt (truman.prevatt@netsrq.com)
Fri, 14 Mar 1997 11:24:34 -0400

>I guess I'm a "gaited horse poster" - but I've never criticized Arabs...
>
>And, I never will...and I agree that arabs are athletic, have the right
>muscle type, etc...won't agree that a properly conformed arab (or any
>other breed) has a smoother ride than a four-beat, though ;*) (Just
>my opinion...)
>

One poster also talked about the Arab traditionally being breed for its
canter not its trot. I don't find this hard to believe at all. Now while
I won't speak for all gaited horses, the canter of most TWH's I have ridden
is something to behold. Long and flat and very smooth. Misty is so smooth
at the canter that I have actually dropped my feed out of the stirrups to
rest my legs while we have been cantering along. Misty's mother was the
same way as is her son. Riding all their canters is like sitting in a
rocking chair. In fact I find the easy relaxed canter of a walking horse
easier to ride than the gait (running walk).

This and a 6 mph walk is one reason our primary gait is the canter.

Truman

Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff