What is a gaited horse?

I am curious, what is a gaited horse? Thanks.

Horses that have gaits other than the normal walk, trot, canter. And they don't trot.


Personally I really dislike gaited horses. But that is my opinion!

A horse especially bred NOT to trot. Instead, are bred to have a very smoothe 4 beat gait that is 100% natural to them. They also come with a 'rocking chair' canter, and a flat walk. A flat walk is a 'working walk'. Much faster than your average Quarter horse walk.

Some gaited horses trot. And I happen to like 'em. I have one. ;)

But Equestriun is right in that, if they have a gait besides walk, trot, canter. However, some still have these 3 "standards" along with one or more special gaits.

BTW, Equestriun...what breed is the one in your post?

^^ Gaited horses, besides Iceys and Saddlebreds, aren't supposed to trot. Some do at liberty, but that is a whole different story. They are allowed to. If they DO trot it is either a rider's error, confo issue, laziness, pain, bad saddle fit, etc. There are many reasons, but many people don't need to worry, because when they buy a gaited horse they 'test drive' them carefully. Some have their own gaiting styles so it is important to test them out and pay attention and think 'Can I handle this? Is this what I want?' What happens in the saddle gait-wise, is a very important thing in gaited breeds.

LoL, I just realized my post was unclear...I meant I like gaiteds, not ones that trot. I don't think I've ever seen Annie trot...I'm not sure that she "knows how".

^ Got it ;)

Oh well, it's there now. We actually have one that trots :P

We have a horse chiropractor coming out soon..

LoL, that's ok...it's still an educational post. :)

What breed is the one that's trotting right now?

^^ Unfortunately a TWH *rolls eyes*

Throwback..Got the recessive genes I guess..

^^Ha ha! Well, hopefully the chiropractor will help.

Seems like there are several people on here with walkers who won't gait. My walker was kind of a "cheapie" and doesn't really have great breeding from the little I know about it. I really got her because of her temperament (I haven't ridden for like, 10 years), but so far, no trot. LoL, Iam lucky so far...but thanks to your posts, I will know to check saddle fit and alignment if/when she breaks into that bouncy trot. :)