Are you thinking about going Gaited Horse rides? For full fun and relaxation on your riding trips, first read these getting-started tips. Are you thinking of acquiring a smooth-gaited horse for smooth, easy trail rides? Use these pointers to get started before you buy.
Suit your body shape. Choose a horse that is a good fit for your body type. If you are huge, a 15-plus-hand horse with a wide barrel, like the Rocky Mountain Horse, is a good choice. Take into account the smaller Paso Fino or Icelandic Horse if you are on the shorter side. Make sure you can saddle the horse without help on the trail and that the horse can carry the weight of you, your saddle, and your equipment for extended periods.
Recognize your physical state. If you have joint or back pain, look for a pleasant experience that will not make your symptoms worse. Some trail riders find that moving to smooth-gaited horses for a long, easy ride is beneficial after several years in the saddle.
Consider the trail’s speed. If you are the only one in your circle with a smooth-gaited horse, you may be concerned that your stock-type horse-owning mates will be willing to “keep up.” Running walk and rounding step gaits, for example, are fast and efficient. Your trail companions, on the other hand, will train their horses’ run, trot, and lope/canter into quick, forward-moving gaits. Seek out a professional riding coach to help you develop your equitation skills. Experts suggest maintaining a straight line between your head, shoulder, hip, and then heel. Maintain a calm attitude, avoid interfering with your horse’s stride, and allow him to shift into his best forelimbs.
Experiment with various gaits. Experiment with different gaits to see which one feels better to you. The Racking Horse’s pistons-and-engine move might be right for you if you are searching for an enthusiastic but balanced gait. Alternatively, maybe floating around on the back of a Gaited Horse is your idea of a fun trail trip.
Examine the movement. Request that the owner ride your prospective horse so that you can determine his movement from the ground. (Bring someone who is familiar with your new generation.) Examine the owner’s ability to reach different gaits and the horse’s composure at each one.
Hop aboard. Take a seat and assess if the horse’s gaits are appropriate for you. Next, take a ride in the ring. If required, seek assistance from the owner in achieving the desired gait. Try comparing the action of the horse to what you have learned in class.
On the trail, ride. On the track, ride your future horse and see if he can stretch out his strides. To be picky? Look for an agile, athletic horse with a “go forward” tendency if covering ground is essential to you.
Attach a saddle. Analyze the saddle fit once you have purchased your new horse. To determine if a new saddle is needed, consult someone who is familiar with your horse’s breed. You can also check to see if the horse’s new saddle is for sale. Your horse’s scapula and haunches should be able to extend out easily in order to achieve an optimum gait. Find a saddle that is comfortable for him, does not chafe his back, and encourages him to travel freely.
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