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In the early 1980's, I broke a retired Standardbred trotter to saddle
and rode him in 35 & 50 mile rides. I found that he had been in such
good cardiovascular shape all of his life, he needed minimal
conditioning. He had a great "work ethic" when out on the trail and
still liked to race a little! (at age 18)
While Buster could out trot anything on the trail, he didn't bend worth
a darn! He was stiff from trotting in shafts all of his life. We did
lots or serpentines and spiral in - spiral out on our ring work days.
We would have fun with the Arabs on the rides - we'd trot with them at
their extended trot, then I'd look at my watch & say, "Well, I need to
make up a little time", squeeze Buster, and AWAY WE"D GO! It was like
he shifted gears! He would occasionally pace if he was tired, but he
refused to canter under saddle. (All those years of being discouraged
to break from the trot were deeply ingrained.)
If you have a Saddlebred, try it out. I think you'll be pleased. I
would let them travel at whatever gait they feel comfortable. The may
learn a running walk, but if it isn't natural to them they'll tire
easily and may start to interfere or get sore.
Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
Bruceton Mills, WV
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