Re: RC: Efficient gaits question

[DVeritas@aol.com]

Lif,
    I've never believed that "extended" ANYTHING is particularly efficient on 
the endurance trail.
    An EFFECTIVE road-trot, yes.  An efficient, easy lope, yes.
    I don't personally believe that gait selection should be left entirely to 
the rider, or entirely to the horse.
    Working together, the pair can find an efficient and reasonable manner in 
which to get through a ride.
    "Racing" is something different, and a subject I am not comfortable 
(familiar) discussing.
    I had a gelding who (using a heart monitor) actually had his heartbeat 
slow down when loping, but for only a given time...then we would return to 
"trot" until he "informed" me that a bit of "canter" was called for.  Using 
ALL the muscle groups moderately seems to work best for me and my horses.
    I think terrain (concussive, steep, rocky, etc.) is one of the variables 
that must be considered....and then, by extension, the foot of the horse, 
i.e., overall conformation, (hard or soft, steep walls or wide and able to 
help with concussion, etc.
    With so many "variables", I think the horse and rider team (if tuned in 
to each other), will find the best (most efficient) way to get down the trail.
    But the REASON we go down the trail, seems to eventually dictate the 
manner.
    Nice visiting with you again, Lif.

Frank Solano,  adding firewood to the stove in Gering Valley, Nebraska.


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