Gaited vs. Non-gaited

Most beginner equine owners do not understand the difference between a gaited horse and a non-gaited horse. This information is important when deciding on what horse to buy and what you want to do with your horse.

A gaited horse  Stock horses which are quarter horses, appalloosas, paints, and thoroughbreads are not gaited. Then we have horses like Tennesee walking horses, fox trotters, and saddle horses that are gaited. Even though a horse is supposed to be gaited however, that does not mean that it actually is. Some gaited horses are not naturally gaited and so they have to be trained. When a gaited horse has to be trained most of the time their gait is not as smooth. All horses can cantor(lope) but it takes some gaited horses longer to learn the footfall. However, stock horses are used for the faster and more agile events, while most gaited horses are used for pleasure riding and driving. Gaited horses are generally smoother to ride than a non-gaited horse due to their footfall or the way they place their legs. According to a gaited horse website: “Horses perform the trot as a diagonal gait, moving a front foot and the opposite rear foot simultaneously. This action produces a jarring motion that is found in all non-gaited breeds. A horse that is trotting has two feet on the ground at a time, but is not supported at all almost one third of the time. The jar felt when riding a trotting horse is caused by the free fall of the horse and the rise needed to carry the horse from one step of the trot to the next step. A gaited horse does not have free fall or the jar caused by the trot, because the gaited horse has a broken gait that allows at least one foot on the ground at any given time. This creates the smooth ride of a gaited horse because the horse is always supported and never in free fall.”http://www.mofoxtrot.com/trot_gait.htm.

A gaited walking horse being trained by Mike Reel.

The videos below show the difference of the ride and the way the different types carry themselves. Look for the riders seat and the movement in the gaited horse’s head and legs compared to the stock horse’s head and legs.

The following video is about gaited horses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2jBYugBFvc

The following video is about non-gaited horses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNUCdXGxp0w

 

 

Where to begin?

What will your horse look like?

Most people do not understand how to choose their first equine partner or why the choice is so important. Most beginning horse owners do not think about everything that goes into the purchase of their first equine. Cost, age, gender, and what you plan to use the equine for all play an important role in your choice.

The first thing to consider is cost. Most equine will cost about a hundred dollars a month to feed, plus tack, vet care, farrier bills, and stabling. “In the USA horses require a yearly (or sometimes twice yearly) Coggins test. This test checks for EIA or Equine Infectious Anemia. Without it you will be unable to go to shows, trail rides, horse camping facilities and clinics.”(http://www.lovehorsebackriding.com/first-time-horse-owner.html) Then you must decide what you want to use the equine for. If you want to do western type showing, a quarter or paint horse might be a good fit. Perhaps you want to do hunter jumper, probably a warmblood would be a good choice. Gender is important to many riders. Most want to ride geldings (castrated males) because of their calmer dispositions at shows. However mares can be used for breeding in the future if you decide you want the responsibility of a foal. The age of the equine is important because a young horse normally is not a good match for young or novice riders. The more age a horse has means the more experience it has taking care of the rider. A good, sound older equine is most generally what novice riders need just to get experience to start riding.

The first equine partnership is so important to the development to the rider’s skills and their confidence. Do not rush to find that perfect horse. Look around at the different options and take your time deciding what you want out if the partnership. Equine ownership is a big responsibility and you must decide if you are ready for the challenge.