Do you have a gaited horse that trots at liberty? Have you wondered if your horse isn’t gaited after all or if trot will ruin the natural smooth gait?

Meet Marvel: Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

October 16, 2021: an exciting day. Thanks to a generous donation from a dear friend, Mellums Midnight Marvel, an unbroke, 3-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse gelding arrived to my place. There will be much to share in the coming chapters of Naturally Gaited.

The video below captures Marvels moments upon arrival. As you watch, you may wonder, “If this is a gaited horse, why is it trotting?”

Will Trot Ruin the Smooth Gaited Horse?

Naturally gaited horses commonly trot at liberty. When a gaited horse trots, many fear it will ruin the natural smooth gait. Other believe if the gaited horse trots it doesn’t have a smooth gait. Neither are true as long as the horse possesses the inherited smooth gaits.

Smooth Gaited or Multi Gaited Horse?

Naturally smooth gaited horses are really multi-gaited horses. They have more gears than the walk-trot-canter horses. The key is consistent training to develop the horse’s smooth gaits on cue. That begins with becoming an educated rider. Even if you send your gaited horse to a professional trainer, you’ll still need to become an educated rider in order to produce the smooth gaits the professional trainer taught your horse on cue.

Become an Educated Rider

If you desire to learn how to become an educated rider, there are many instructors and resources available. Choose a style of riding that is suitable for you and your smooth gaited horse. Then find an instructor who teaches that style.

If dressage is your desired method of riding and training, this Naturally Gaited blog can help. It is filled with 12 years of gaited dressage stories, tips, videos, and how-to’s.

Stay tuned as Marvel’s training unfolds.

What are your thoughts? Please reach out and send me a message or stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and “like” us on facebook.com/naturallygaited.