Gaited Horse Stories | Naturally Gaited Horse

Over the last thirty-five years, I have studied from many circles of thought that have shaped my riding paradigm with dressage as the basis of communication.

By Jennifer Klitzke

As an avid dressage rider and passionate equestrian of humane training methods for over three decades, I have studied from many circles of thought. Throughout this blog you will encounter the sources, experiences, and people who have shaped the foundation of how I ride, train, and relate with my naturally gaited horses using dressage as the basis of communication in everything we do.

Among the many circles of thought and experience that encompass my riding paradigm are German dressage, French dressage, natural horsemanship, naturally gaited horse training, biomechanics of riding, biomechanics of movement, natural hoof trimming, horse care, showing dressage, cross country, stadium jumping, rail class, endurance, competitive trail, trail obstacles, and cow sorting leagues.

The common denominator of the many circles of thought and experience I embrace is humane training with respect for the horse. No abusive methods. No gadgets or artificial enhancements. And consistent communication using dressage.

Lifelong learning

Since learning is a lifelong study, how I relate with horses today has changed since I first began. I began with one circle of thought, mainly because when I began, one-on-one lessons from a local instructor and book learning were my only options. Today through digital media, we are blessed with instant access to dozens of humane training options from thousands of unique perspectives.

When I encounter a new circle, I give it critical thought, dabble in its tips and concepts, and take relevant parts into my riding and training. Sometimes I drop old ideas for new ideas, but I still hold onto the many circles. One circle doesn’t replace the rest.

Learning is an investment of time, money and commitment—especially the study and application of dressage. I have invested a college education’s worth of lessons over the years. Timely feedback through regular lessons taught me how to ride with feel; develop a partnership of trust and a consistent communication system with my horse using my reins, legs, seat, and weight aids; find a balanced riding position over the horse’s center of gravity; interpret the horse’s body language; and help my horse develop full range of motion and quality gaits for long-term soundness.

How the many circles improve my dressage

I like to embrace effective humane training methods from more than one circle of thought to enhance my horse’s relaxation of mind and body, balance, forward rhythm and tempo without rushing, connection, quality movement, suppleness, and build a harmonious partnership. I believe these qualities make for a great dressage foundation no matter which circle of thought offers the insight.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider after studying German dressage and French dressage. As a result, I blend precision and timing of aids with lightness of philosophy and joy in my heart.

From jambette to steps of Spanish Walk with a Tennessee Walking Horse.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider by learning from both local instructors and traveling clinicians. Local instructors help me persevere in my growth over time while traveling clinicians offer new insights from their breadth and depth of experience.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider after studying the work of natural horsemanship cowboys. These horsemen and women have taught me the value of communicating with a horse in ways a horse understands, the importance of establishing trusted leadership in the relationship, and the benefits of groundwork and desensitization.

Trail obstacle with gaited horse — This trail obstacle is harder than it looks!

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider by breaking up arena work with trail riding, endurance riding, trail obstacles, and cow sorting leagues. The hills and uneven terrain improve our balance and stamina while the latter put my communication through the aids to the test in real time.

Marvel hits the trail solo — Marvel enjoys exploring.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider after studying the anatomy of the hoof and understanding it’s impact on movement to promote soundness without shoes. While I’m not a professional farrier, I am an educated care giver.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider after spending time riding bareback. Through riding bareback, I’ve improved my balance and core and a better sense of feel.

Makana Tennessee walking horse flat walk flexed poll bareback — Riding my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse barefoot and bareback at a flat walk.

I think I’ve become a better dressage rider through showing, even when I’m the only rider on a horse that doesn’t trot. And I think trotting horses have made me a better rider of naturally gaited horses. Practicing for a dressage show has forced me to face what I’d rather avoid. Shows challenge me to strengthen our weaknesses and become more ambidextrous as a rider and help my horse develop symmetry.