gaited horses in endurance
The Vervaet's (VervaetP@deruyter.k12.ny.us)
Wed, 26 Nov 1997 21:13:57 -0500
VervaetP@deruyter.K12.NY.US
Well, I just had to jump in on this one. I own 4 TWH's. We do a lot of
long distance riding, at quite a fast rate of speed. The quality of the
gaited horse would determine whether he would be suitable for competition.
The poorer quality gaited horses will only maintain their gaits at a slow
rate of speed. Speed is the "acid test" for gaited horses. I have one
that can do mach 10 and never spill a drop of water in a glass on your lap!
The rest do an assortment of gaits at different speeds. Their attitudes
are not breed related (except that I might say walkers are some of the
nicest personality horses that I've ever owned) i.e. herd bound, refusing
to gait while alone, etc. I have one that loves to go and will ride until
he drops! The others exhibit a mixture of barn sourness, reluctant
obedience and downright revolt! Much the same as any horses of any breed.
I agree that it is difficult to ride with other breeds, but our horses go
so fast at the running walk that other breeds must canter to keep up. You
should like speed and smoothness to own a walker. So my opinion is that
you must look for an individual horse suited to endurance competition and
expect to pay for those qualities.
Paula