>> In Dagur's case it will take some time to 'set' a gait. They need to be in >> shape and supple or at least that's my idea. I'll probably learn more as we >> progress with Dagur.
I suspect that's sort of a different case though, but I could be wrong. Dagur is still a baby, just learning to balance himself with a rider up. Up until now he's been able to do any gait he felt like, whenever he felt like it. Gat is mature though, and has had a rider for a while. I'd bet she's in decent shape - as good as most horses are in the winter anyway. While strength and balance are big issues, another big issue is the conformation and "wiring" of the individual...and from what Virginia has said, I'd bet she's a good bit pacier than Dagur. For what it's worth, Sina CAN trot, but she also has a good bit of pace in her nature/conformation. I wouldn't describe her as "pacey" though, since I see her trot/foxtrot at liberty a good bit, as well as do all the other gaits. She seems to find it very easy to foxtrot under saddle. So, I mostly encourage her to do her saddle rack (which at times borders on step pace) alternating with her foxtrot. Both are very comfortable to me, and we walk a lot and canter some too. I think we alternate which muscles she uses, and how she uses them enough to keep her back strong. Walk and canter are always good gaits for back health. One of our next gait projects is to hone her running walk. She has that too. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.3/700 - Release Date: 2/24/2007 8:14 PM
