In a message dated 2/6/08 9:04:23 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>
> That makes sense John, since the foxtrot is a much more efficient and
> "easier-on-the- "easier-on-the-<wbr>horse" gait than the racking (tolt)
> it's been explained to me by the few endurance folks I've talked to, is the
> gait of effeciency to cover the most ground. So, a variation of that would
> be the best of both worlds I would think: ground covering AND smoother than
> a regular trot.
>
I thin you are right, Renee. I have puzzled for many years about what
Remington is doing on the trail. I've always thought he was trotting but
wondered
why other people with Icelandics talk about how rough their trots are while
my horses were so smooth. Also when I would ride with other Icelandics behind
me while mentoring people, they would say that Remington was tolting or
"shuffling" (especially when going downhill quickly) when I thought he was
trotting. Experienced endurance riders would ride behind us and ask what gait
he was
doing. I would say trot and they would say they didn't think so. I also
would get photos of him on the move from the ride photographers and could not
identify the gait from the footfall. Remington also has a monstrously fast
and powerful walk which he pushes into whatever other gaits he is doing. My
wife got me the Liz book on gaited horses for Christmas a few years ago and the
description of foxtrot seemed to fit at least some of the time. I don't know
enough about gaits to make a definite judgment and I don't really care what
label is used. It does seem to me now that some sort of cycling back and
forth through walk, foxtrot and trot is as good an explanation as any of what
he
is doing.
John Parke
Solvang CA
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