What Is a Gaited Horse? Everything A Beginner Needs To Know!

Gaited horses possess a unique and graceful movement that sets them apart from other equine breeds. If you’re intrigued by these elegant creatures and want to learn more, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this blog, we will explore what a gaited horse is, their distinctive gaits, popular gaited horse breeds, and the allure of owning and riding these remarkable animals.

Understanding Gaited Horses

Gaited horses are breeds that exhibit smooth, natural, and evenly timed gaits. Unlike horses with the typical walk, trot, and canter, gaited horses have additional intermediate gaits.

These gaits offer riders an exceptionally comfortable and smooth ride, making gaited horses highly sought after for pleasure riding, endurance, and even show competitions.

Distinctive Gaits

Gaited horses have a highly distinctive gait that absorbs more up-and-down action and makes them unusually smooth to ride.

 The gait could require some getting used to, similar to how finding your balance at the trot or canter takes some time. Despite this, the ride will be smooth and enjoyable once you get into it.

The most common gait found in gaited horses is the “running walk,” characterized by a four-beat lateral movement. This gait is exceptionally smooth and can cover ground at a brisk pace while maintaining a steady rhythm. 

Other common gaits include the “rack” or “single-foot,” which is a faster version of the running walk, and the “pace,” where the legs on the same side move in unison.

Genetics of Gaited Horses

According to research, certain horse breeds’ capacity to walk in certain particular gaits is controlled by the dominant gene DMRT3. 

The spinal neural circuits responsible for limb motion and movement are under the control of this gene. Breeders can use gaited horses in their breeding programs now that it is known that gaits are highly heritable rather than attempting to train non-gaited horses to move in with gaits.

Popular Gaited Horse Breeds

Several breeds are known for their gaited abilities. 

• The Tennessee Walking Horse is a prominent example, renowned for its running walk and gentle disposition. 
• The Missouri Fox Trotter showcases a unique gait called the “fox trot,” known for its smoothness and versatility. 
• The Icelandic Horse is another fascinating gaited breed, with its characteristic “tolt” gait that offers speed and comfort.

How to Spot a Gaited Horse

It can be challenging to distinguish between a gaited horse and one that is merely moving in an unusual manner at first glance, despite the fact that there is a noticeable difference between the two. 

So how can you spot a horse with a gait? The best course of action is to merely watch their motions.

A gaited horse typically moves with four beats. Each foot will land separately and in a certain manner as you walk. 

The majority of gaited horses trot with the right hind, right front, left hind, or right front, left front, right hind. This pattern ought to be very visible upon closer inspection. 

Beginner Advice for Riding a Gaited Horse 

• When riding, maintain a pleasant attitude.
• Always keep your ear, shoulder, elbow, hip, and heel in alignment while sitting tall on the saddle.
• Due to the horse’s naturally higher head carriage, you might need to hold your hands somewhat higher and bend your elbows more to keep good contact with the horse’s mouth.
• If you’re new to riding the gaits, ride with someone who is knowledgeable about your particular breed of gaited horse! A smoother ride can result from using specific cues and activities to assist your horse’s gaits to perform at their optimum.
• Find out as much as you can about your gaited horse’s background, frequent problems, temperament, and gait.

Many horse industry experts don’t have much experience with gaited horses, so they may rely more on what you know as the owner or rider to decide what is and is not typical for your horse. 

It can mean the difference between discovering a lameness problem and a serious injury. Be an advocate for your horse by doing your research.

The Allure of Gaited Horses

Owning and riding a gaited horse offers a host of advantages. The smooth gaits provide a comfortable ride, making them ideal for riders with back or joint issues. 

Additionally, gaited horses excel at long-distance riding and trail exploration due to their ability to cover the ground with ease. Their calm and gentle nature also makes them excellent partners for riders of all ages and experience levels.

Advantages of Gaited Horses

The advantages of riding a gaited horse are numerous. We’ll talk a little more about the special advantages this breed of horse offers to riders in this section.

• It may be simpler to ride gaited horses

Gaited horses are frequently regarded as being simpler to ride, particularly for novice riders. Almost anyone can ride a gaited horse on their first try, thanks to the smooth ride and minimal bounce. 

Although it could appear that this is a big advantage, horse riders who want to improve their riding may find it to be a disadvantage. 

It is still crucial to pay special attention to your equitation and balance habits when riding a gaited horse. A gaited horse offers a smooth ride that frequently encourages the rider to become lazy, even unintentionally.

• Most gaited horses have peaceful attitudes

Many naturally gaited horses have calm, kind dispositions. They are hence often amiable and make a great partner for novice horse owners. 

However, because each horse is unique, you shouldn’t pick one just because it can gait. 

• The best horses for long distance riding are gaited horses

Horses with gaits can travel great distances without getting fatigued. They are frequently chosen for tours and trail riding because of this characteristic and the comfortable ride they offer. 

A naturally gaited horse is probably your best choice if you’re seeking for a horse partner for extended trips. 

Myths Pertaining to Gaited Horses

• Horses that gait are less stable than other horses, making them unsafe: This is merely a legend! Since ancient times, gaited horses have been employed to navigate even the most difficult terrain.

• Gaited horses require specific shoes: False. Gaited horses require a good farrier just like any other horse, and their shoeing and trimming needs are the same as those of non-gaited horses.
• Gaited horses require particular saddles: No, gaited horses can ride in any saddle that is the right size for them.
• Gaited horses cannot jump: Although gaited horses can be trained to jump, some, like Tennessee Walking Horses, are excellent after training, they are not naturally good jumpers. Pole work must come first, and then jumps must be gradually added.

Training and Care of Gaited Horses

Gaited horses require proper training to develop and refine their natural gaits. Working with an experienced trainer who understands the specific needs of gaited breeds is essential. 

Regular exercise, appropriate nutrition, and routine veterinary care are vital for maintaining the health and soundness of gaited horses.

How to Request Various Gaits

Cues can differ from horse to horse and from trainer to trainer, much like with non-gaited horses. In general, you should urge your gaited horse to take a balanced, bouncy, and forward gait.

• Start your horse off in a loose forward walk, then urge them with your leg into an extended walk without allowing them to transition to a faster tempo. Continue until they can maintain their speed. Increase collection after they can maintain speed to get them balanced and ready to walk. You may help the horse become more focused and collected by performing lots of transitions from the walk to the halt, to the reverse, and back to an active walk.
• After your horse has gotten used to maintaining both collection and speed simultaneously, you can ask for greater impulsion, collection, and speed by adding leg pressure, keeping a light grip on the rein, and maintaining a calm yet rhythmic seat. Work at lesser speeds before going on to practicing the faster gaits.  
• The horse should be able to work into their gait in a calm manner.

Wrap Up

Gaited horses captivate enthusiasts worldwide with their elegant gaits and remarkable versatility. Their smooth and comfortable ride, along with their gentle temperament, make them an excellent choice for pleasure riding, trail adventures, and even competitive events. 

By understanding the unique qualities and characteristics of gaited horses, you can appreciate the beauty and allure of these extraordinary equine companions. 

Whether you are an experienced rider or just beginning your equestrian journey, exploring the world of gaited horses opens up new and exciting possibilities for your equestrian pursuits.