Naturally gaited TWH Gift of Freedom ridden by Jennifer Klitzke was named 2015 NWHA First Level Champion.
By Jennifer Klitzke
When I bought my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse Gift of Freedom (Makana) in 2007, I had no intentions on showing her—especially in dressage—because I thought dressage was only for horses that trot. I just wanted a smooth horse to ride that would be easier on my aging body. Since dressage had been the only riding style I had studied since 1988, that’s what became our training language.
Since I lived on a hobby farm with no gaited dressage instructors nearby, I rode by myself and applied knowledge from 12 years of traditional dressage lessons and attended clinics when gaited dressage instructors traveled to my state.
In 2010, I saw that a USDF schooling dressage show would be held ten miles away. I contacted the show manager and asked if I could ride my TWH but replace trot with flat walk. She agreed. (Little did I know that the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) had already written dressage tests which did exactly that.
Getting to the show that day, I thought I would be laughed off the planet, because I’d be the only one riding a horse that didn’t trot. But I didn’t care, because it meant more to me to receive feedback from a dressage professional as to where we were at in our training as it related to rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, balance, and harmony. The feedback we received that day was meaningful, challenging, and affirming. It gave us something to work toward.
Both Makana and I enjoyed the day. My mare was relaxed and curious. I made significant connections with owners of gaited trail horses. Many of which had never considered applying their dressage training to their gaited horses until seeing gaited dressage in action. Two women even invited us to join their next trail ride. As long as Makana and I had fun, we’d try it again.
After that show I became introduced to the NWHA dressage tests which are the same as the USDF tests with flat walk in place of trot.
Five years and fifty-five gaited dressage tests later, USDF schooling dressage show judges have provided constructive feedback to help us grow in our training from Intro through Training to First Level and have challenged us to face all of the required movements in both directions. This would be easy to avoid if we were just hacking at home.
In 2015, the NWHA launched a dressage awards program. I have so much gratitude for the NWHA. I appreciate all of the hard work in getting the tests approved through the USDF every four years. If it weren’t for these tests, I likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to show at open USDF schooling dressage shows the last five years. For these reasons I became a NWHA member to support the dressage awards program.
In 2015, Makana and I showed at five USDF open schooling shows as the only gaited horse among the trotting horses and rode 10 NWHA tests (two at Training Level and eight at First Level). Five scores were required from three different “L” (or higher) judges within a level to qualify and one test being the highest of the level. The horse with the highest median score would determin the winner.
2015 Gaited Dressage Show Record
May 2, 2015
Wildfire Farms Schooling Dressage Show
Maple Lake, MN
Judge: Jodi Ely
NWHA Training Level Test 3: 68.2%
NWHA First Level Test 1: 70.4%
May 9, 2015
Arbor Hill Schooling Dressage Show
Stillwater, MN
Judge: Molly Schiltgen
NWHA Training Level Test 3: 67.27%
NWHA First Level Test 1: 65.56%
May 30, 2015
Northwoods Schooling Dressage Show
Corcoran, MN
Judge: Colleen Holden
NWHA First Level Test 1: 65.926%
NWHA First Level Test 3: 70.294%
August 2, 2015
Carriage House Farms Schooling Dressage Show
Hugo, MN
Judge: Jennie Zimmerman
NWHA First Level Test 1: 64.07%
NWHA First Level Test 3: 62.06%
August 15, 2015
Wildfire Farms Schooling Dressage Show
Maple Lake, MN
Judge: Nancy Porter
NWHA First Level Test 1: 66.5%
NWHA First Level Test 3: 63.9%
I’m happy to announce that Makana and I were named Champion in First Level, followed by Banner’s Dixie Belle ridden by Scot MacGregor, and Heat Stroke ridden by Pamela Polydoros.
For complete dressage award results visit www.NWHA.com.
Did you know that Cowboy Dressage welcomes naturally gaited horses? Among the people I’ve met through cyber space since launching NaturallyGaited.com is Dollie Horst who just returned from the 2015 Cowboy Dressage World Finals with her naturally gaited Rocky Mountain mare, Annie. I asked Dollie if she would share her story with us about how she became involved with gaited horses and the path which led her to Gaited Cowboy Dressage. I think you’ll love what she has to say about Cowboy Dressage, its training philosophy, and the people who have taken the Cowboy Dressage “handshake” to live out its lifestyle. —Jennifer Klitzke
Dollie Horst on RMHA registered/certified mare MMR’s Cover Girl aka “Annie” at a Cowboy Dressage Clinic in Colorado. Photograph by Richard Horst.
Gaited Cowboy Dressage: My Journey Begins
By Dollie Horst, Guest Writer
My introduction to naturally gaited horses came five years ago when my husband and I were offered a management position at Mountain Magic Ranch, a private Rocky Mountain Gaited Horse ranch in Three Forks, Montana.
Before that, non-gaited horses like thoroughbreds, AQHAs, APHAs, and BLM mustangs filled my riding background—mostly for trail riding, packing, reining, and working with cows. Like most non-gaited horse people, I thought gaited horses were just, let’s say, different. But with my new job working with mountain gaited horses and my love for anything “horse,” I kept an open mind and willingness to learn.
Meeting the Mountain Gaited Horses
My husband and I have done a lot of mountain riding and pack trips. We immediately saw the value gaited mountain horses brought to “the hills.” These horses can cover country like no other breed we had worked with, and their cool temperaments are exactly what you need when you’re 33 miles into the wilderness.
When I began training the Rocky MountainandKentucky Mountain gaited breeds, their exceptional learning capacity really stood out. Overall, they have been the most willing, level headed, intelligent horses I have ever worked with. Not only do they learn twice as fast as the non-gaited breeds I’ve trained, but they seem to retain their schooling with less repetition.
Since gaited horses were new to me coming into this job, I held true to my training philosophy that “a horse is a horse first.” Whether gaited or non-gaited, my goals were the same: develop a soft, supple, relaxed partnership which is based on trust and mutual understanding. After that, I began to recognize the natural four-beat gait, and then train, develop, and certify the gait in the young horses and the horses newly started under saddle. I have found that most people who are interested in the gaited mountain breeds are looking for smooth, soft, willing trail partners.
Introduction to Cowboy Dressage
I don’t ride in a fancy saddle, just a well fitting one. I don’t use a special bit, just a snaffle or bitless bridle. I like to ride on a loose rein or light contact. I love to lope the gaited horses I ride. I respect the time it takes to build a solid foundation and master a maneuver before progressing to a more challenging one. I strive for the ultimate partnership and develop a seamless communication between me and my horse as if we become one in the same. While I love this method of training gaited horses to be trail partners, something seemed missing. I longed for a show venue which aligned with my training philosophies and would showcase the philosophies and would showcase the multiple talents of gaited mountain horses. Little did I know that what I had longed for had already been coined “soft feel” by Eitan Beth-Halachmy, the founder of Cowboy Dressage.
Then in June 2015, I learned of a Cowboy Dressage clinic taught by Dr. Jenni Grimmett, DVM and held at Sleeping Willow Ranch in Stevensville, MT. What I knew of Cowboy Dressage piqued my curiosity, so my husband and I made the 3-1/2 hour drive to audit. Little did I know, this decision would become life-changing.
Listening to Dr. Grimmett explain the Cowboy Dressage principles and philosophy, I couldn’t stop nodding and smiling. Cowboy Dressage is not just a riding discipline or competition; it is a way of life. Cowboy Dressage is a commitment in how we treat our horses, and how we treat each other—everyday, anywhere—regardless if anyone is around or not. It is a commitment to the development of the horse as an individual, at a speed the horse can grasp. Cowboy Dressage transcends training exercises; it is the fundamental relationships between you, your horse, and others.
Membership in Cowboy Dressage is represented in a virtual “handshake” instead of paying joiner’s fees. The Cowboy Dressage Handshake is your word to pledge to “try” to:
become the person others can trust with your handshake and your word.
exemplify the Cowboy Dressage way of life and find the courage to chase your dreams.
not allow defeat when faced with setbacks in your life and your horsemanship.
treat all horses and people with integrity and kindness.
look for the “try” in your horses and always reward them.
look for the “try” in people as you travel down your horsemanship path.
When you pledge this handshake, you become a member of the Cowboy Dressage Worldand you ride together with others who have also done the same, including its founders Debbie and Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Lyn Moe and Garn Walker.
From Left to Right: Dr. Jenni Grimmett DVM, Dollie Horst, Trish Knight enjoying the comradery and friendship that is Cowboy Dressage. Photograph by Richard Horst.
I had finally found what I had been yearning for! The girls at Sleeping Willow Ranch must have noticed, because they graciously let me ride their horses just so that I could participate in the clinic. I will never forget their kind gesture. Seriously, who lends their horse to someone they had just met, so that they could ride, not just audit a clinic?! People who have pledged the Cowboy Dressage Handshake—that’s who! Thanks to Shannon, Debbie, and Dr. Grimmett, I left the clinic that day completely engulfed in Cowboy Dressage and couldn’t wait to share it with my gaited four-legged friends!
May 9, 2015 Annie’s first ride, Dollie Horst aboard. Val Geissler snubbing on his BLM mustang “Smoke.” Photograph by Richard Horst.
Returning home I began applying what I had learned at the clinic with my registered/certified Rocky Mountain mare, MMR’s Cover Girl (aka, Annie). She had been started under saddle in May, and what better foundation could there be for a green horse then one of “soft feel”? On top of that, Annie has a great mind and confirmation for Cowboy Dressage as well.
In September and October, I brought Annie to two different Cowboy Dressage of Colorado clinics taught by the Cowboy Dressage founder himself, my new friend Eitan Beth-Halachmy. Eitan was happy to see a gaited horse at the clinics and welcomed us wholeheartedly, as did the other non-gaited riders!
Dollie Horst and Annie pictured with Cowboy Dressage Founder, Eitan Beth-Halachmy. Photograph by Richard Horst.
At the clinics, Annie and I learned the ‘ins-and-outs’ of riding the Cowboy Dressage tests; as well as exercises we could do to improve our communication and relationship in order to thrive in any riding discipline. Eitan is an incredible teacher and someone I feel so grateful to work with. His vast knowledge is delivered humbly through whit, humor, and a go-getter mentality that is empowering. He makes everyone feel equal, and what he recognizes most, is not the ability, but the “try.”
Annie and I have reached new levels of trust and partnership. Cowboy Dressage has helped me develop a better seat as a means of communication with my horse, and soft contact helps Annie understand more clearly what I am asking of her. She is pliable and bendable to my slightest cues. Her movement and transitions are more fluid and understood. Her gaits are more balanced and rhythmic, with the ability to shorten and lengthen her strides without changing speed. Her natural four beat (intermediate) gait, is smooth and accomplished through light, soft contact. Annie knows what is expected of her and where she needs to be.
Through Cowboy Dressage, Annie and I have learned and accomplished so much in such a short period of time, as have the other gaited mountain horses I work with. In fact, gaited horses thrive with this concept of “soft feel,” and I strongly believe have the most to gain from Cowboy Dressage!
Dollie Horst on RMHA registered/certified mare MMR’s Cover Girl aka “Annie” at a Cowboy Dressage Show in Brighton, CO. Photograph by Richard Horst.
Cowboy Dressage Shows Not only did I travel to three Cowboy Dressage clinics in 2015; Annie and I competed at three Cowboy Dressage shows. Two shows were held in Colorado where Annie and I won the Amateur Gaited divisions.
The third, and most recent show was the 2015 Cowboy Dressage World Finals in Rancho Murieta, California, which drew over 900 entries. At first I hesitated to compete at the World Finals. I wondered if I was ready or if I was good enough, but Cowboy Dressage has helped me put aside those demons and give it a “try.” One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my horsemanship and life this year is that accomplishment begins with the decision to “try.” That we did. At the Cowboy Dressage World Finals, Annie and I won the Reserve Highpoint Champion in the Amateur Gaited Division.
Dollie Horst riding RMHA registered/certified mare MMR’s Cover Girl aka “Annie” on the first day of the Amateur Gaited Classes – Cowboy Dressage World Finals 2015 in Rancho Murieta, CA. Photograph by Richard Horst.
As a participant at these events, I believe Cowboy Dressage is here to stay, and it is growing at an incredible rate—gaited, non-gaited, all breeds, all associations, all ages and people from all over the world of all walks of life. It is truly an inclusive group of liked-minded, kind, and supportive people who are in it for the horses, one another, and the betterment of horsemanship in general.
The Cowboy Dressage World Finals particularly, was unlike anything I had ever experienced in the horse show world. Not once did I meet someone in passing who didn’t say, “hello” or “how are you” or “nice ride.” Nowhere did I see harsh equipment or rough riding. Never did I see anyone “taking it out” on his or her horse at the barn, warm up arenas, and show areas alike. In fact, the show even had an official to make sure each horse was treated fairly and humanely. What I did see was a commitment to kindness toward one another, the slow, endless journey that is horsemanship and especially toward the love for horses – with patting, rubbing, hugging, smiling, and endless “talking” to their four-legged friends everywhere you looked.
Dollie Horst thanking little Annie for a job well done after showing the second day at the Cowboy Dressage World Finals 2015 in Rancho Murieta, CA….This is what it is all about. Photograph by Richard Horst.
Annie and I have a long way to go, but we have started our Cowboy Dressage journey to which I am fully committed. For me, there is no other way than to “try.” Thank you Eitan, and thank you everyone committed to the Cowboy Dressage lifestyle.
I hope you enjoyed reading Dollie Horst’s story about how she became involved with gaited horses and the path which led her to Gaited Cowboy Dressage. If you have a naturally gaited horse you’ve developed a special relationship with and ride gaited dressage or versatility, and would like to share your story on NaturallyGaited.com, please contact me by completing the contact form.—Jennifer Klitzke
Interested in riding a gaited dressage test but not sure what to expect? Here are a few tips to help riders who are interested in giving gaited dressage a try.
Schooling dressage shows are a friendly environment to receive constructive feedback from an experience dressage professional on where the horse and rider are at in their training—what’s working and what needs improvement.
Each test has required movements in a variety of gaits, some are two gait tests and others include canter. As the horse moves up in levels, more collection is expected. This photo shows a first level flat walk.
I love riding dressage tests because they force me to train all of the required movements in both directions. Invariably, there is one way that is more difficult for the horse and some exercises that I would rather avoid, but a test makes me address them. The test itself challenges me to be a precise communicator to my horse to prepare and perform each movement at the letter, ride my horse in the correct frame through an effective use of aids and riding position.
Gaited Dressage Tests
There are many gaited dressage tests to choose from of varying levels of difficulty created by FOSH, Western Dressage, Cowboy Dressage, and the NWHA. The introductory tests are two gait tests for those not ready to tackle the canter.
What to Wear when Showing Gaited Dressage
Schooling shows require riders to wear an approved helmet with a chin strap and boots with a heel. Informal riding attire is acceptable such as breeches and a polo shirt for English gaited dressage or jeans and a cowboy shirt for western gaited dressage. The horse must be ridden in a mild snaffle bit and a dressage or all-purpose English saddle or western saddle depending upon the test that is selected. Formal riding attire and braiding the horse’s mane are optional. I often wear my formal riding attire since I don’t show at recognized shows (and it makes for nicer photos).
Where to Show Gaited Dressage
Some breed shows offer gaited dressage classes. Another opportunity to show your gaited horse in dressage is at USDF schooling dressage shows. Whenever I see a USDF open schooling dressage show in my area that I would like to ride at, I contact the show secretary and ask if I can enter my gaited horse and ride a gaited dressage test. If the show manager agrees, then I mail a copy of my tests with a copy of my current Coggins, completed entry form and fees by the closing date.
The show posts a schedule of ride times 24 to 48 hours before the show, so I can plan my arrival and warm up accordingly. When I get to the show I ask the show manager if the arena is open to school my horse during break times. Recognized shows do not permit this, but many schooling shows do. This helps nervous horses get acclimated to the strange surroundings and build their confidence.
Preparing for your Gaited Dressage Test
When I get to the show grounds, I get my horse settled and go to the show office to obtain my number and ask if the show is running on time. Sometimes there are scratches. Many times I’ve been asked to ride earlier. Although I am not required to, I will accommodate this if I am able. Other times the show may be running behind schedule. This is really important for me to know so that I can pace my warm up and not wear out my horse before our tests.
Riding your Gaited Dressage Test
When the rider before me completes their final halt and salute, that’s my cue to enter the outside of the arena to school my horse before my test. Relaxation for the horse is key. In the short couple minutes I have, I like to ride my horse by anything that might spook her, like the judging area, flower boxes along the rail, or bushes that are swaying in the breeze.
While warming up, I like to talk to my horse, but as soon as I enter the arena voice or clucking is not permitted during the test without penalty.
As soon as I hear the judge sound the bell or whistle (or sometimes the ‘toot’ of a car horn), it is my signal that I have 45 seconds to enter the arena and begin my test.
Most tests begin and end with a halt and salute where the horse stands square and immobile for three seconds.
I like to position my horse to ride in straight at “A” down the center line to the halt and salute (remaining immobile for three seconds) before proceeding forward.
I try to remember to smile as I ride toward the judge and ride my horse into the corners to show a nice bend. Judges like to see the horse being ridden close to the rail without jumping out of the arena (which means elimination).
Most shows permit a ‘reader,’ someone who reads the test for the rider as they ride the test. Normally the reader stands at “E” or “B”. I rode with a reader for many years, and it has only been recently that I began memorizing my tests mainly because I show solo. (I’m hoping this will have an added benefit of prolonging my grandma brain!)
Each test has required movements that are evaluated on a score from 0 to 10. Among the judging criteria are rhythm, balance, bend, relaxation, impulsion, precision, gaits, rider’s use of aids and riding position. Dressage tests movements mirror each other to show that the horse has become ambidextrous because of its training.
Free walk is required in all dressage tests.
After the final halt salute, I ride my horse forward toward the judge at a free walk on a long rein. Sometimes the judge offers verbal feedback in addition to the written comments on the test so I’ll stop and take it all in. Then turn right or left to exit the arena at a free walk on a long rein.
While a test is being ridden, the judge verbalizes feedback to a scribe who writes down the comments on a test sheet. The tests are given to the show office and added for the final percentage. Sometimes gaited dressage is placed in its own category and other times gaited dressage is scored with the trotting horses of the same level. Scores are usually posted for placings and the test will be available at the show office for riders to take home.
I try not to get discouraged when my horse doesn’t show all of my hard work during my test. It is common that horses perform better at home than when in a strange environment. I hold onto the magic moments that made it a positive experience for me and my horse. We did it!
When picking up my tests from the show office and returning my number, I like to thank everyone who helped organize the show and for accommodating gaited dressage.
Video: Tips on Riding a Gaited Dressage Test
Do you show your naturally gaited horse in dressage? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out and share your story by sending me a message.Or stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and joining our community on facebook.com/naturallygaited.
I was so excited to return to Wildfire on Saturday, August 8, 2015 with my 11-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse mare Gift of Freedom (Makana). Why? Because this time to ride for USDF “R” judge Nancy Porter. Normally one has to ride at a recognized show to be judged by this caliber of a judge.
However, we were off to a rough start. First my GPS was out of order and my cell phone ran out of juice, so we hustled back home for an ol’ fashioned map.
On our way to the show, a car that pulled out in front of us and I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the car. Thankfully we didn’t collide, but the sudden stop left Makana rather rattled.
Forty minutes later we arrived safely at the show. I let Makana relax for a while then tacked her up for some long and low before beginning our warm up. Then I set up the video camera only to discover that I left the video chip at home. Rats! No photos or videos to capture the event.
On the bright side, we couldn’t have asked for better weather: 70 degrees, partly cloudy with a light breeze. And this time, no disco-dancing flower boxes to contend with.
But Makana’s heart didn’t seem to be into showing today. (I felt like I was squeezing an empty tube of toothpaste the morning before my annual dentist appointment!) I don’t know if it was the sudden stop or if she felt entitled to a weekend off after such a wonderful performance last weekend at Carriage House.
We rode NWHA First Level Tests One and Three. Areas we excelled in were center line halts (straight and square), 10-meter half circles at a flat walk, transitions and quality of our medium walk and free walk, flat walk leg yields, 20-meter flat walk stretch circles, 15-meter canter circles and transitions from flat walk to canter and flatwalk to medium walk to freewalk.
Improvement areas are showing more balance in the counter canter serpentines, showing more difference between the working and medium canters, and overall impulsion.
Despite how sluggish Makana felt, we received respectable scores of 66.5% in NWHA First Level Test One and 63.9% in NWHA First Level Test Three.
For me it was an honor to ride for an “R” judge at a schooling show! Normally you have to ride at a traditional USDF recognized show for this caliber of judge.
After the show, I had the chance to talk with Judge Nancy Porter in the show office with a couple of other riders. Nancy asked me about gaited dressage, and I was able to share about how it is a humane and natural alternative to the soring and abuse that has tarnished the Walking horse industry. She fully supports the fight against soring and is all for applying dressage training methods for the gaited horse as an alternative to abusive and artificial training methods.
Wildfire Farm has hosted several schooling dressage shows this summer and has accommodated traditional dressage, gaited dressage, and western dressage tests. The next schooling show is scheduled for September 12. If you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and are interested in giving gaited dressage a try, this is the perfect, low-key, beginner-friendly schooling environment for you!
Inspired by seeing another gaited horse at the last Three Ring Circus schooling dressage show, I had to take my 11-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse mare, Gift of Freedom (Makana) to Three Ring Circus II held Sunday, August 8, 2015 at Carriage House Farm in Hugo, MN.
This time the dressage tests were ridden on a grass arena which made for a beautiful backdrop of mature trees. We were blessed with impeccable weather, and my lovely husband joined me to capture the event on camera.
Since the NWHA First Level Tests are the same as the USDF First Level Tests (with exception of flat walk and running walk in place of trot), Makana and I were scored with the other first level entries. As the only gaited horse, we placed 3rd and 4th with scores of 64.7% riding NWHA First Level Test One and 62.6% in NWHA First Level Test Three. It was close—only .3% separated us from 2nd place.
Free walk is required in all dressage tests.Medium walk is an active walk with contact.In First Level tests the horse must show bending through the corners at a flat walk, circle 10 meters at a flat walk, perform 20-meter flat walk circles allowing the horse to stretch its head and neck down and out, and leg yield at a flat walk.Running walk is shown across the diagonal in First Level tests.First level tests require 15-meter canter circles, working canter, canter lengthenings, and one-loop counter canter serpentines.Each test begins and ends with a halt and salute where the horse stands square and immobile for three seconds.
I was very pleased with how Makana performed here tests. She was consistent in connection, depth of stride, rhythm, and balance in her flat walk, and she moved through the corners and circles maintaining a nice bend. It showed in our scores, too. We earned “8s” on our free walk and halt salute and many “7s” on 10-meter flat walk circles and 15-meter canter circles.
Areas of improvement include showing more difference between the flat walk and running walk, more precision on my part riding Makana through the counter canter serpentines to “x” and keeping Makana straighter through the leg yields at a flat walk.
Judge Jennie Zimmerman commented that she’s worked with gaited horses and encouraged me to further develop the running walk to show more difference from the flat walk, but overall we rode very nice tests.
Thank you to Carriage House Farm for hosting and organizing the Three Ring Circus II schooling dressage and hunter jumper show and for accommodating gaited dressage. It is always a joy to ride at such a fantastic facility!
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