Training Gaited Horses - lessons with three different horses

March 21, 2011

I went to a barn near Elgin, IL and gave lessons/training with three different gaited horses.

My main goal was to the horses to relax, slow their walk, and be able to give their poll slightly. Once the horses were walking relaxed and slowly, then I would ask for a gait. If the gait is smooth, I loosen the reins. If the gait is at all bumpy, I slow the horse down to a walk right away!

Each lesson was just over an hour long. This is the first time I have seen or worked with any of the horses.

By the end of the lessons, the respective owners were able to get their horses to gait a little and they all said it was definitely better than before.




One horse was a Rocky Mountain Gelding, one a Tennessee Walking Horse mare, and the other was a Peruvian Paso mare.

Thanks so much to Kathy, Lori, and Lorna: I had a great time!

Email me if you would like to join us!

http://www.IvysHorses.com

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• training
• gaited
• tennessee walking
• peruvian paso
• Rocky mountain
• gaiting
• relaxation
• smooth
• gait
• horses
• 4-beat
• 4 beat
• gaited horse
• TWH
• natural

[TheObadiah777]

The one riding has no helmet while the one teaching does?

[ivyschex]

@TheObadiah777 Actually, I was teaching and I was the one without a helmet. Yes, I know how terrible that is. I have several people trying to reform me. :D

[5S606Davis]

What can you say about a trainer who does not understand the fundamental differences between gaited horses and non gaited horses - very poor training for gaited horses and their riders.

[gaitedgirl77]

@CrackHoe32

I would suggest asking him to gait and then bringing him back to a walk on YOUR cue. I know it is exciting when you finally get him to gait, but if he is never asked to walk once he gaits, then he has no incentive TO gait. You want to get him in the frame of mind that he WANTS to gait because once he does so his reward/release is to then walk and relax (on a slack rein, if possible). Before asking to gait, walk very briskly, then ask for gait, then bring down into a relaxed walk.

[CrackHoe32]

Great training videos. Thank you for sharing them. I have an older 14.2 racking/TWH gelding. He restored my confidence and enjoyment in riding again. However he is very hard to bring into a gait. You really have to use leg on him...he will pick up his head and gait for maybe 50 feet and them go back to a walk. Any suggestions on what I can do ? He is a VERY relaxed horse 23 yrs young. Very sound kept barefoot. Very healthy. Thank you for your help.

[gaitedcvowboy12]

@pkdobie360 i recommend trying to pull back on the reins and the moment he gives his head in to pressure let loose and repeat. horses, in my experience learn by repetition and from release of pressure and not just pressure

[Kansaseq]

Wish you were in Kansas; I"d love to take gaited horse lessons!

[pkdobie360]

What que are you useing for the horse to bring in the nose, do you bump with your heels.

[wayout3ddotcom]

is that the lady who plays chloe in nurse jackie?

[tarheelzboycj]

is it just me or is that saddle on backwards?