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cantering a gaited horse

12K views 41 replies 24 participants last post by  donemoven farm 
#1 ·
Hi all,
My first post. Bought a missouri foxtrotter gelding. 13yr. old. My first
horse in 50 yrs. Everyone said this if a good horse for an old guy like me.
My question is should I canter this horse? Some have told me it will ruin
his gait if I do. Also, he seems to stumble a lot when he is trotting. Is this normal in a gaited horse? I ride in woods and pasture, not trails.
Thank you.
 
#41 ·
Donemovin,

I wonder if you horse is like mine - when he has significant time off (as it would be with any horse) and isn't ridden in awhile, he tends to drag his feet. He will knock every log I cross and drag his toes over every stick on the ground until I spend a couple of weeks riding him regularly. His foxtrot is also very close to the ground - his entire way of going is very close to the ground - he is not one of those high stepping types so every spring when I start riding him regularly again, we go thru a couple of weeks of bulldozing our way thru trails instead of stepping lightly. But then he gets going again and we are good to go until he goes on vacation next time...:wink::D

It might just be that some hours on the trail are all that is needed.
 
#42 ·
Donemovin,

I wonder if you horse is like mine - when he has significant time off (as it would be with any horse) and isn't ridden in awhile, he tends to drag his feet. He will knock every log I cross and drag his toes over every stick on the ground until I spend a couple of weeks riding him regularly. His foxtrot is also very close to the ground - his entire way of going is very close to the ground - he is not one of those high stepping types so every spring when I start riding him regularly again, we go thru a couple of weeks of bulldozing our way thru trails instead of stepping lightly. But then he gets going again and we are good to go until he goes on vacation next time...:wink::D

It might just be that some hours on the trail are all that is needed.
I only had him for 4 months and only rode him 6-8 times befor the weather turned cold. But what I have experienced is exactly what you describe. I hope with more saddle time it will be better. Just wish I had a smooth flat arena to ride in. Just got these Missouri hills. Thank you for "nailing it"
 
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