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SaddleSeat Help..? Advice..

I recently got a gaited horse 5 months ago and I joined 4-H ready to compete. I have the rule book for saddleseat and all, I know what to wear etc. But...

How do I get my kentucky mountain horse to do the slow canter like gait?
He won't stay in his gait (Rack).. How do I keep him in it?
Is there a diet I should put him on?
What gaits do they usually ask for at shows?
Is there a specific saddle I need? ( I already have cutback)
And any other advice would help.. Thanks!

Were you planning on showing 3 gaited or 5 gaited?

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Originally Posted by Saddlebag (Post 1925080)

Were you planning on showing 3 gaited or 5 gaited?

She can't show 5-gaited. That is a Saddlebred class that is walk, trot, canter, slow gait and rack.

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Originally Posted by xoxosalem (Post 1925048)

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practice by doing half halts, circles or if needed shut him down, back 3 to 5 steps and start again until you have achieved desired speed. Reward once you have desired gait.

He won't stay in his gait (Rack).. How do I keep him in it?

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again lots of practice. he needs to learn how to use his hind end to drive into the bit. Circles, serpentines to help build those muscles.

Is there a diet I should put him on?

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I would suggest a biotin or omega horseshine for skin, coat and hooves.

What gaits do they usually ask for at shows?

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depends on class but if showing in Saddleseat you will be required to show horse in his breed of gaits. You can not enter into a 5-gaited class unless you horse does a walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and rack.

Is there a specific saddle I need? ( I already have cutback)
And any other advice would help.. Thanks!

I hope this helps. There is braids you can add. Make sure all equipment and your attire are clean and very formal.
You can use a baby oil around eyes and muzzle for extra shine (little, very little)

I was going to do 3 gaited..

Depending on if his horse was trained by professional or not, it would be best to see if you can get some help from a trainer that deals with this breed.

The cues for Saddlebreds, are very different for MFT's, or KMH I would imagine.

I have linked to your breed association, and you should contact them for articles and trainers that might be able to give you information on all of this.

KMSHA Official Website

Also should see what 4H is going to have you do in the classes.

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Originally Posted by Palomine (Post 1925670)

I contacted my trainer and she's coming down Sunday to help.. Thanks