. However, if her gaits are naturally there, > and they are bubbling to the surface during her initial training in > the basics....the gaits will be there no matter what. >
As you probably know by now I am a gait newbie. My TWH Hunter was advertised as "naturally agited". After an initial horrific period where I actually prayed each time I got on, he has turned into the perfect horse for the job I had in mind for him. Of course, I recognize a trot, and I allow it. According to couple of experienced gait people (both TWH breeders) I've ridden with, he also does a speed rack, saddle rask, stepping pace, fox trot, and a very rare running walk. He can flat walk at 6 mph and a slow rack was 12 mph. He canters like a sweet old fashioned rocking horse and will not or can not do a hand gallop. And praise God, he does not hard pace. So the question: is this horse naturally gaited or his wiring just haywire? Or is he throwing in all the versions of "gait" because I don't have a clue. I confess, mostly in an endurance ride, I choose the rate of speed and allow him to choose the gait except if we come to the top of a steep hill . Then I will check him and ask him to do any intermediate gait of his choice, but no trot or canter. This horse can FLY up and down hills. Nancy
