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Dressage for the Gaited Horse

Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

Introducing a gaited horse to a snaffle bit

Teaching the naturally gaited horse to relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll can relax the body to perform smooth gaits. Learn the benefits of using a snaffle bit and how to begin.

Introducing a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

By Jennifer Klitzke

Depending upon which training method you choose with your gaited horse will determine how you communicate with your horse, which tools are used, how the tools are used, and why.

Dressage is my method of choice in training my gaited horses―specifically classical French dressage. In dressage, the rider communicates with the horse through the hand, leg, seat, and weight aids. The rider’s fingers gently communicate with the horse’s mouth in a meaningful way through the reins attached to a gentle snaffle bit. The horse learns to seek and follow a light contact with the bit, and the rider gains awareness to gently follow the horse’s natural head and neck motion with relaxed shoulders, arms, and fingers. This light contact between the rider’s fingers and the horse’s mouth is important for communication.

Introducing a gaited horse to a snaffle bit helps the horse learn to seek and accept a light contact leading to smooth gait. When bits are misused, horse learn to resist contact out of fear, pain, or tension. This leads to pace, step pace, hard trot, and even running off.

In this post, we will explore:

  • Selecting a snaffle bit for the gaited horse
  • Introducing the bit and working in hand
  • Benefits of teaching a gaited horse to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact
  • Demonstration videos

Selecting a snaffle bit for the gaited horse

Snaffle bits and curb bits (or shank bits) have different actions on the horse. Snaffle bits do not have curb levers creating poll pressure. In dressage, snaffles are designed for the rider to communicate with the horse through a light contact leading to bit acceptance.

Over the years, I have collected many snaffle bits. Snaffles are made of rubber, plastic, and a variety of different tasting metals. There are one-piece (Mullen) bits, single-joint and double-joint snaffles. Some double-joint snaffles have a lozenge, a link, or roller. (Use caution when selecting links and rollers as some can pinch the horse’s tongue and cause pain.)

Below are snaffle bits I have used to train my naturally smooth gaited horses.

EquiKind Mullen Full Cheek Snaffle Bit
Plastic Mullen Full Cheek Snaffle Bit

Full Cheek Mullen Snaffle Bit

A full-cheek snaffle bit is a great choice for young, green horses who are wiggly as they learn, like my three-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Marvel. This will be our go-to bit for his first year of training.

The full-cheek pieces offer stability to keep the bit from sliding through the horse’s mouth while they learn how to accept and follow contact. A plastic Mullen snaffle bit is great for horses with a sensitive mouth and horses who dislike the taste of metal.

fulmer full cheek snaffle
Fulmer single-joint snaffle

Fulmer Snaffle Bit

The Fulmer snaffle is one of my favorites for training gaited horses using dressage. The rings are independent from the full cheek pieces and allow greater communication with the horse and rider through the various lateral dressage exercises. The Fulmer snaffle is also available with a double joint.

loose ring snaffle
Loose-ring snaffle with lozenge.

Loose Ring Snaffle Bit

After the horse is established in following contact, many dressage riders change to a loose ring snaffle. There are other ring styles as well, such as the D-ring and egg-butt snaffle bits. Many riders start out with a D-ring or an egg-butt. However, the full-cheek and Fulmer snaffles offer the best protection from the bit sliding through the horse’s mouth.

In all cases with snaffle bits, the reins are attached to the rings.

Baucher snaffle bit with lozenge

Baucher Snaffle Bit

The Baucher snaffle bit is available in a variety of mouth pieces: Mullen, single-joint, French link, with a lozenge, and of various metals or plastic. Many people believe that this bit offers poll pressure. However, according to bit expert, Charmae Bell of BitBank Australia, Baucher snaffle bits actually relieve poll pressure. Her BitBank Australia YouTube channel is a terrific resource to learn about bits and bit action.

Snaffle Bit Size

Five-inch snaffle bits are a common width. I have many five-inch snaffle bits, a few five-and-a-half inch snaffles I used with my late 16-2 H Trakehner/Thoroughbred and four-and-a-half-inch snaffles I used with my late 14-1 H Arabian. Select a size large enough not to pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth.

Is a Single-Joint Snaffle Bit Abusive?

Some people believe all single-joint snaffles are abusive, because they have been told single-joint snaffles have a nutcracker effect in the horse’s mouth. I have ridden with a variety of FEI dressage legal snaffle bits since 1988 including single-joint snaffles. In my opinion, any bit can be abusive to the horse when used incorrectly, when not properly fitted, or when the wrong snaffle is selected for the horse’s training.

A single-joint snaffle isn’t for every horse. Horses have preferences and differing mouth conformations and sensitivities where a double joint or Mullen may be more suitable or comfortable. As horses progress in their training, bits are often changed. Some horses have been mishandled and have become defensive. These horses will need a gentle snaffle bit along with an empathetic handler who has patience and educated hands to overcome bit avoidance.

Any bit can be harsh to the horse when used incorrectly or when not properly fitted.

It is important to point out HOW a rider uses a bit, whether single joint, double joint, Mullen, or curb (shank). Many gaited horse riders are taught to hold their hands out to each side in a low, fixed position with contact. Some riders pull back on the reins with both hands. These actions put pressure on the horse’s tongue and cause pain. Pain leads to bit avoidance. Bit avoidance leads to anxiety, tension, pacing, running away, head tossing, getting behind the bit, putting the tongue over the bit, gapping the mouth, and more. This is the opposite of relaxation.

A better way to ride with a snaffle bit is with a light following contact, the elbows at the rider’s sides and the arms bending at the elbows, signaling with the rider’s palms facing up and an upward action. Cueing with an upward action communicates with the corners of the horse’s lips which is a softer and gentler way to communicate. Pulling back on the reins with low hands presses the bit into the tongue which causes discomfort. Bit acceptance occurs when a horse develops a positive and comfortable experience with the bit. Developing bit acceptance takes time, consistent training, awareness of the horse’s body language and our application of our rein aids. Bit acceptance takes patience, especially with a horse that has learned to be defensive. Bit acceptance leads to mental and physical relaxation. That’s what we want in dressage, and that’s what we need for smooth gaits.

Which Snaffle Bit Do You Pick and Why?

Select a comfortable bit that encourages acceptance and relaxation versus pain, anxiety and tension which lead to bit avoidance.

Introducing the bridle
Here’s Marvel, my three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse getting acquainted with a Mullen full-cheek snaffle bit.

I am blessed to have another opportunity to start a young, gaited horse, thanks to my friend Mary. Marvel is an unstarted, three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse. He is a clean slate, so starting him with a comfortable bit and teaching him bit acceptance will go a long way.

I have also restarted many horses who have had a negative experience with the bit. It takes time to develop trust with a horse, even more time with a bit resistant horse.

Maybe you can relate:

Have you ever ridden a tense, anxious, and stiff gaited horse who runs off the minute you take up contact with the reins or curls their nose behind the vertical to avoid contact? Can you recall whether the gaits were smooth or rough? Did you experience pace, step pace, a lateral canter or hard trot?

For me, I notice whenever a gaited horse is tense, anxious, and stiff undesirable rough and jarring gaits soon follow. On the flip side, relaxation produces the quality smooth gaits I desire, and that’s what dressage for the gaited horse is all about.

After having a vet inspect the teeth for a float, the next step begins by selecting a well-fitting and gentle snaffle bit.

For Marvel, I am using a plastic Mullen full-cheek snaffle bit. The full-cheek pieces keep the bit from sliding through his mouth while he learns. The plastic Mullen bit is gentle for his sensitive mouth as he learns how to accept and follow contact through stretching exercises. Young horses are wiggly as they learn, and this bit offers stability as I gently guide him through our first year of training until we are well started under saddle.

How to Introduce a Gaited Horse to a Snaffle Bit

Teaching the gaited horse to relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll can relax the body to perform smooth gaits.

The best way to introduce the gaited horse to the snaffle bit is from the ground by working in hand. This strips away the complexities of the rider’s leg, weight and seat aids so the gaited horse learns how to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact.

After the horse learns how to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact with work in hand from the ground then the same exercises can be taught from saddle at a halt. Then the horse is moved into a slow walk and a slow gait over time. Each progression of tempo adds more complexity. This is why beginning with work in hand from the ground is the simplest way to start teaching the horse how to accept and follow a snaffle bit contact. Any time the horse gets tense, the rider backs down to a halt to re-establish relaxation and begin again. As the horse and riding advance in training, relaxation can be applied in motion.

Benefits of Introducing a Snaffle Bit to the Horse from the Ground with Work in Hand

  • Educates the rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth:
    • Educates the rider to teach the gaited horse how to seek and follow a light, steady, even contact with the snaffle bit
    • Teaches the horse to taste the snaffle bit and swallow which aids in relaxation of the mouth, lower jaw, and poll
    • Brings awareness to the rider about the importance of helping the horse relax the mouth, lower jaw, and poll
  • Teaches the rider how to help the horse find balance and not lean on the rider’s hands to develop lightness to the hand:
    • A light contact is the goal; The rider doesn’t pull on the bit and the horse doesn’t lean on the bit
    • Any time the horse leans on the bit, the rider immediately applies a demi arret (quick motions upward of the bit towards the ears of the horse and releases); Upward motion to apply contact to the corners of the mouth; When the horse stops leaning and carries its own head and neck, the rider stops the demi arret
    • When the horse learns to carry its own head and neck and not lean on the rider’s hands, the horse learns to shift its balance from the forehand towards the hindquarters and raise its whither by engaging the chest and shoulder muscles
balance in hand
Beginning of balance is achieved when the horse is no longer leaning on my hands and is holding up his head and neck on his own.

Neck extension
Neck extension stretches the top line muscles and spine.

  • Stretching exercises teach the horse how to follow the snaffle:
    • The rider learns to hold a light and even contact with both reins and teaches the horse to follow an even, steady contact
    • The rider guides the horse in stretching exercises upward, outwards and to each side at a 45- to 90-degree. This allows the horse to stretch the outside neck muscles while remaining balanced; and teaching the horse to follow the contact to extend its head and neck down and out to stretch the top line muscles and spine. (Ideally the poll (space between he horse’s ears) should be no lower than the height of the whither, so the horse remains in balance)

When the gaited horse understands how to follow contact, the rider can direct the horse into relaxation of the mouth, jaw, and poll. This relaxation is essential in dressage to direct the gaited horse into positions of stretching, flexing the neck and poll, and rebalancing.

After the horse learns these exercises in hand at a halt, the rider can begin to direct the horse in hand at a slow walk. When flexing the head and neck at a 45 to 90-degree angle, the horse’s body remains straight. This exercise is called flechi droit. It teaches the horse lightness, balance, and straightness in the shoulders and prepares the horse for a balanced small circle. This also stretches the outside neck muscles. During these exercises, it is important to slow down and allow the horse to take smaller relaxed steps.

Work in hand
Working in hand at a walk.

After the horse walks straight while bending in the neck, then directed the horse into a neck extension on a small 8-10 meter circle (volte). This in hand exercise helps the horse learn balance, lightness, and straightness as it follows an even, light, steady snaffle bit contact.

Work-in-hand is teaching me how to direct my gaited horse to find balance and accept a light, bit contact. This groundwork will make it easier to train my gaited horse from the saddle. 

Marvel loves his Mullen snaffle bit. Maintaining this enthusiasm will be important going forward until the day we begin saddle training.

Demonstration Videos

Introducing a Gaited Horse to the Bit, Part 1

Introducing a Gaited Horse to the Bit, Part 2

Benefits of Teaching a Gaited Horse to Follow a Snaffle Bit

I learned these Educating the Mouth exercises in 2014 and began applying them with my gaited horses Makana and Lady, and now Marvel.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.

Visit website: NaturallyGaitedHorse.com
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Gaited Horse Training

Pony a Gaited Horse

To pony a gaited horse is harder than it looks. It requires multitasking to coordinate two horses while thinking ahead to remain safe.

Pony a Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

A few summers ago, I took my naturally gaited horse, Lady, to a State Park for a trail ride. Along our ride, we crossed paths with a woman riding her horse while ponying a saddled young horse behind her. Impressive. Rider and horses looked relaxed and enjoying the ride. She made it look easy.

I kept this picture in my mind while I saddled, bridled and haltered Marvel for his first pony ride. Then bridled my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse Makana and coordinated both horses as we walked through the barn to the round pen.

Next I started the video camera and led the horses to the mounting block. Organization is key. So far so good. I took it slow with relaxation top of mind. Before I got on Makana, I took a peek at Marvel for his demeanor. All looked good.

Next I organized my reins and the lead rope to the direction we would be traveling. I wanted the lead rope on the inside of our circle. We traveled a few circles in one direction. Took a break before switching directions.

Marvel was a champ both directions at a relaxed walk. He followed and halted well.

Ponying a gaited horse while riding is harder than it looks. It requires multitasking to coordinate two horses and a video camera while thinking ahead to remaining safe. (And it helps to have two horses who get along!)

Video: Pony a Gaited Horse

Marvel learns to Pony. (Me, multitask.)

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.

Gaited Horse Training

Lunging a Gaited Horse

lunging a gaited horse

I’ve acquired an unstarted three-year-old gaited horse. What are the important elements in training a young gaited horse? Is lunging a gaited horse a helpful way to begin training?

Here’s my story and videos below…

Lunging a Gaited Horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

Meet Marvel, my new Tennessee Walking Horse / Spotted Saddle Horse gelding. He’s a gift from my fellow horse loving friend, Mary, and will fill the next chapters of Naturally Gaited as his training unfolds. Marvel is an untrained, unstarted, three-year-old gelding.

After a couple weeks of getting acclimated to our herd, paddock, pasture, the routine of coming into the barn, his stall, and the cross ties, I introduced Marvel to the concept of lunging.

My five main points to starting a young gaited horse:

  1. Relaxation of mind and body
  2. Breaking training down into short learning sessions
  3. Rewarding every good thing
  4. Develop a relationship of trust and respect
  5. Introduce a consistent means of communication: verbal cues, body cues, rewards, use of equipment

Relaxation of Mind and Body

With each horse I work with of any age, relaxation is the key. Relaxation of mind and body. A relaxed mind is a teachable mind. I help the horse focus on me and our training instead of being worried about distractions around us. A relaxed body is a trainable body and able to produce quality smooth gaits.

Most importantly, relaxation begins with me. I need to be relaxed in my mind and body in order to lead my horse into relaxation. This is helpful when working with a young untrained horse or whenever in the saddle.

Defining Relaxation and Why Relaxation is Important for the Gaited Horse

It is important to note that relaxation does not mean lazy, dull or shut down. Relaxation means the absence of tension and anxiety in both me and the horse. Horses learn best from a relaxed handler and in a relaxed state of mind. A horse’s best quality smooth gaits are produced in a posture of relaxation.

Noticing the signs of tension

Whenever the horse becomes tense, I redirect the horse’s focus, slow down or stop and regain relaxation. When a horse is tense, they often raise their head and neck, hollow their back, their whole body becomes tight, they hold their breath, they are tight lipped, their eyes grow worried, and their attention is fixed on what is causing the tension. In this state, the horse is not listening and not trainable. In a posture of tension, a gaited horse often paces, pace canters, or hard trots. These are the rough gaits we don’t want, right? That’s why relaxation of mind and body are key to training the naturally gaited horse.

pace riding two handed with curb contact
2009: Here’s my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse, Makana, and me early in our training. We struggled with pace as shown above. Notice the spurs, riding two handed with low, fixed hands using a curb bit. Does my Tennessee walking horse look relaxed in the mouth, jaw and body? Tension leads to pace. Relaxation leads to smooth gait.

There are many ways I help a horse relax, such as teaching them to draw their attention back to me, lowering their head and neck to a neutral position, breathing, chewing and swallowing, and relaxing their mouth and lower jaw. Beginning this education from the ground from the lunge line or in hand builds a great foundation of relaxation with lots of rewards for every good thing.

flat walk
How dressage improves quality smooth gait over time.
Pictured is the same horse at the age of 19.

Keeping Training Sessions Short

With a young horse, their attention span is short and they are easily distracted. Knowing this, I break down training into small progressive steps with ongoing reminders to draw the horse’s attention back to me any time it drifts off.

I have been working with Marvel about 20 minutes, three days in a row with one day off. During our sessions, when Marvel responds to a cue, I will immediately praise with a voice aid like, “yes, good boy,” and stop and give him a treat. I reward him for every good thing. Then we repeat an exercise a couple times with a reward in between.

Developing an ambidextrous horse

If we are working an exercise in one direction, we switch directions and do the same exercise. This is super important. Most horses are like people in that they are born right-handed or left-handed. Horses can be trained to be ambidextrous over time. Ideally, work the less developed direction twice as much as the easy direction. This will help the gaited horse develop more even strides.

Rewarding Every Good Thing

Encouragement goes a long way with people, and it does the same with horses. A young, green horse has a lot to learn. Marvel is learning a new language, so it is my job to be clear and consistent day after day.

I used body cues by bringing my energy up and down, verbal cues, “Yes, good boy,” and rewards, treats, and breaks with moments of letting the horse rest in relaxation.

Later in training, I will introduce the snaffle bit to help the horse accept contact and follow a light contact. Then when we begin saddle training, I will add leg, seat and weight aids.

Progressive Steps of Learning while Lunging a Gaited Horse

Lunging has great purpose for an unstarted gaited horse and makes training easier leading up to the day riding begins. Lunging a gaited horse develops communication and partnership. I use lunging to help the gaited horse learn relaxation in motion, develop rhythm and tempo, forward movement without rushing, transitions within a gait and between gaits, changes of direction, working on a 20-meter circle with a slight bend.

Our progressive steps of short training sessions are captured on video below.

There is lots of commentary on each video ranging from the importance of lunging safety; how to introduce a horse to lunging; the benefits of lunging; exercises on the lunge line; developing communication using the lunge line; the importance of relaxation and forwardness; defining relaxation and its impact on training and movement; developing maximum overtrack for quality smooth gaits; progressive steps to adding the bit, adding the saddle, adding both the bit and saddle, and then a saddle with stirrups.

Introducing a Gaited Horse to the Snaffle Bit

October 23, 2021. In this video, Marvel gets an introduction to the snaffle bit and basic flexions.

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 1)

(The first lunging video with unsolicited assistance from our gaited horse friends Lady and Makana.)

October 30, 2021. In this video, Marvel is introduced to the concept of lunging. Lunging a gaited horse has many benefits: developing communication between horse and rider, helping the horse develop rhythm and relaxation, developing the top line muscles, and exercising the horse.

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 2)
Forwardness and Relaxation

10-31-21. In this video Marvel gets his second session of lunging. We apply concepts of forwardness without rushing and relaxation without laziness. Lots of commentary throughout.

Introducing a Gaited Horse to Contact & Flexions (Part 2)

10-31-21: In this video, Marvel is introduced to the saddle with a recap of the introductory flexions that introduce the ideas of the next step of flexion.

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 3)
Introducing the Saddle

11-6-21: In this video, Marvel receives an introduction to the saddle and our third lunging session with the saddle.

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 4)
Introducing the Saddle & Bridle

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 5)
Changing Directions & Safe Boundries

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 6)
Developing Maximum Overtrack

Lunging a Gaited Horse (Part 7)
Introducing the Stirrups

Ground work and lunging are great ways to prepare an unbroke gaited horse for the day riding begins. Next steps will be desensitizing, working in hand with the bridle and lateral exercises to long reining up to the day Marvel’s physical body is ready for riding.

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.

Gaited Horse Training

Starting an Unbroke Gaited Horse

Introducing communication with a snaffle bit

I finally found a young gaited horse. Just where do I start with training? How fast do I bring the horse along? What age is best for starting a gaited horse under saddle?

Here’s my story…

It has been a thrill getting to know my three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse/Spotted Saddle Horse gelding, Marvel. He’s been at my place for a few weeks. In this time, I’ve come to know Marvel as an observant, curious, bold, friendly, intelligent, sensitive, responsive, expressive, humorous, and game for anything (so far anyway) youngster.

Some horses make me smile! (Okay, maybe all horses, but some make me laugh!)

Trailering Home

Back to the day we picked Marvel up. He had never been in a trailer. Opportunity #1: starting an unbroke gaited horse. We planned to take our time. Relaxation was the key. No pulling or forcing. Just asking and rewarding.

We tried many approaches to trailer loading:

  • Loading his dam into the trailer since Marvel had a great relationship with her
  • Leading Marvel into the trailer by walking ahead of him to give him confidence
  • Walking next to him and letting him walk himself
  • Encouraging Marvel to lower his head and neck and sniff the ramp, and placing one foot on the ramp and rewarding him; then placing his other front foot on the ramp and rewarding him; we got stalled there
  • Taking a big loop and walking forward into the trailer
  • Using a crop to encourage forwardness into the trailer; the crop was new to him, so I clucked first; if no response, I clucked and tapped on his hindquarter and as soon as he stepped forward I ceased the cluck and tap
  • Using a lunge line behind and around him to encourage him into the trailer
  • Bringing down the energy, using grain as a motivator, and step by step, slowly and surely that did the trick. It seemed that Marvel had to choose for himself to load into the trailer. He wasn’t going to BE loaded. So trailer loading will be something to work on at home.
  • Once loaded, Marvel trailered quietly for his journey to his new home

Breaking a Horse or Starting a Horse

Okay, so after a few weeks. Is Marvel broke yet? In what way? For me as a passionate dressage rider/trainer, there are many steps along the way to being broke. I am fortunate in that Marvel was family raised from birth, just like Makana, my naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse mare. To me, being handled since birth makes training easier.

At three, Marvel has a short attention span. Knowing his personality, his age, and stage of training, I like starting a gaited horse by breaking it down into simple 10-minute sessions of learning until we are both ready for the time my seat meets the saddle.

Starting a gaited horse begins with many introductions.

Introducing Marvel to:

  • His new home and new friends over the fence
  • Where the water is
  • Coming into the barn at feeding time and into a stall
  • Getting acclimated to the herd and establishing the pecking order
  • Coming when called
  • Being free lunged
  • Being haltered and led
  • Being cross tied
  • Letting me trim his feet
  • Being bridled
  • Learning to accept snaffle bit contact and follow the hands
Marvel at his new home with his new friends (though he matches perfectly!)

Then Marvel learned about being cross tied.

And Marvel experienced being bridled for the first time.

Introducing the Bridle

I introduced the bridle to Marvel in the same way I have with every horse I have worked with. Watch this short video about bridling a horse the easy way.

10-23-21. In this video, an unbroke 3-year-old gaited horse, a TWH / SSH, gets an introduction to the bit and basic flexions.

Once bridled, I began teaching balance, relaxation, flexions side to side, and neck extension. These exercises teach him to accept and follow a light snaffle bit contact and to stretch his outside neck muscles and top line. All of these exercises will be transferred to the saddle one day.

11-14-21: In this video, an unbroke 3-year-old gaited horse, a TWH / SSH, learns the next phase of flexions that introduce following contact.
Teaching the horse balance and not to lean on the hands of the rider.

Neck extensions to the side teach the horse to follow the contact out and down and stretch the outside neck muscles.

Relationship of Relaxation

For me, building a relationship of relaxation with Marvel is the number one most important priority right now. I want to help Marvel look to me as a trusted leader. I learned early on with Makana at gaited horsemanship clinics with Larry Whitesell, that a horse will look to the rider for leadership, and if the horse doesn’t trust that leadership, it will take matters unto its own and fight or flight.

In addition to introductions to the cross ties and bridle, I began free lunging Marvel in the round pen both directions; yielding the haunches, encouraging him to turn towards me and halt.

Examples of building relationship through communication:

  • Creating a relationship that encourages relaxation (mind and body) no matter the distractions around us
  • Being aware of where his attention is while we are together and using create ways to draw his attention back to me
  • Establishing consistent body language and verbal cues are important while I work with him
  • Becoming aware of Marvel’s response to my request and body language; do I need to increase or decrease the ask with my levels of excitement or sense of calm to either motivate or relax and reward him

Marvel is so keen, aware, and sensitive to my body language. This is telling to how he will be under saddle. I have been training horses using dressage for over thirty years and have started a couple youngsters Marvel’s age.

How long will it take before my seat reaches the saddle? Not soon enough if you ask me, but I am only half the relationship. Some people start young horses at the end of their second year, give them the winter off and begin saddle training at three. Others wait until the horse is physically more mature and start them at four. Marvel turned three in June. Since I just brought him home, I want Marvel to be physically ready, for us to have a solid relationship of communication, and both of us to be mentally prepared.

lunging a gaited horse
Lunging a gaited horse.

Lunging a Gaited Horse: Our next progression of training including our first seven video sessions from halter to saddle and bridle.

Marvel enjoys following us around
Marvel enjoys following us around. Just look at the hind leg stride difference between Marvel and Lady. I think Marvel will have some nice moves under saddle. What do you think?

I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.

Visit website: NaturallyGaitedHorse.com
Subscribe: Naturally Gaited youtube channel
Follow: facebook.com/naturallygaitedhorse

Gaited Horse Training

Meet Marvel: Gaited Horse

Meet-Marvel-Canter

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.