>>>> Maybe they've discovered, for a strongly gaited horse, it works to >>>> "mix things up" alternating gaiting with trotting and/or cantering >>>> depending on the terrain?
I know I was the one who first used the term "strongly gaited" in this thread, but I think it's relevant to point out that many "strongly gaited" horses, meaning those with a strong tendency to the lateral side, have trouble cantering. My Mac had a strong preference for the lateral gaits, but he wasn't 100% pacey... but even he had a lot of trouble cantering. He could gallop, very "strung-out", but was prone to cross-cantering, or pacing even at liberty. Is that a trait that would be a "must have" in a gaited endurance horse - the ability to canter cleanly? I just thought of another question about the gaited horses who are competing successfully at endurance (50 miles and above) - are their any rackers (tolters) who have been doing it for many, many years? If so, do they mostly rack on the endurance races? (Maybe Renee already asked this in another form?) Karen Thomas, NC
