I went to the barn today and saddled up Gat. No plan, just experimental play. I wanted to feel what different gaits she would offer so I kept her at more than a walk but less than a canter and she gave me a hodge-podge of gaits. A fast, smooth walk, something steppy with a nod, then something with a swinging rear, and occasionally something so smooth to ride I felt like I wasn't moving and I'm guessing that was a tolt because when she did it I could hear her footfalls 'tacka tacka tacka' and her head was up and her mane flying.
I don't know what she was doing most of the time, but she kept going from one thing to another, and didn't stay in any of them for any length of time. So--what does that mean? Am I confusing her by not giving the proper aids or cues? Or is she just not capable of keeping a consistent gait? Should I be trying to encourage one over others? Which gait would be the best to encourage? I suppose it may be difficult to comment without actually watching her but I thought I'd throw out my questions anyways. :D V PS--I'm at the cottage which means dial-up connection so I don't get online as often.
