Thank you for the kind words!

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse anytime, I've been in the same spot before What gait is it btw? We don't have many gaited horses where I live (only pacers)

I am leaning towards a variation of the foxtrot because it appears to be a little more on the diagonal side than the lateral side with a slight bob to the top of the tail and a slight head nod. The horse is in a more collected frame which shortens the strides and lessen the nod. Nevertheless, a very smooth and balanced natural gait! :)

I am leaning towards a foxtrot also because it appears to be a little more on the diagonal side than the lateral side with a slight bob to the top of the tail and a slight head nod. The horse is in a more collected frame which shortens the strides and lessen the nod. Nevertheless, a very smooth and balanced natural gait! :)

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse lovely horse ❤️

@@ravynwoodgreenwitch Thank you!

I wonder if it is a collected running walk. With the non gaited horse when it moves from an extended walk to a collected walk, there is more elevation and less head and neck motion. In addition, the legs move under the body mass because there is more carrying and less pushing. What do you think?

Hi Ellie, I like to ride in a jumping saddle over fences.

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse does it still work properly tho sense it’s meant for a non-Gaited horse?

I get a saddle that fits the horse, fits me and fits the type of riding we are doing. For jumping, it is important to be in a forward position. It doesn't need to be a gaited horse saddle as long as the saddle fits.

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse ok thank you so much!

Here's a link to the how to story: www.naturallygaited.com/how-my-tennessee-walking-horse-learned-spanish-walk/

There are a variety of ways to ride a naturally gaited horse. I prefer to ride with relaxed feet and not force my heels down. Rather lightly hold enough weight in the balls of my feet so I don't lose my irons. When I ride bareback, my toes slightly point down. It doesn't seem to make a difference in the smooth gait. What are your thoughts?

@NaturallyGaitedHorse my thought is: I have a 3 yr old baby horse. He looks just like my Walk Time Charlie gelding. But he trots and no gait. Steps under himself big and natural. Wondering who I bring him to to train( in northern Maryland) or how to bring out the gait myself....hence asking if feet down makes them gait easier etc. How do I get this horse to gait?

Is he trotting under saddle or just at liberty? My gaited horses all trot at liberty and gait under saddle. Does that help? As for a trainer, it depends on the type of riding you would like to do and learn. Trail riding, rail class, dressage, etc.

@NaturallyGaitedHorse that helps quite a bit. I haven't truly ridden him so I don't know if he gaits at all. I will see? I would like him to do trail, working equitation, liberty, and be one hand reining one day.

Great question. Inside rein I lift to soften the lower jaw and ask for a slight bend to see the inside eye. Outside rein at wither against neck.

Yes, 100% registered TWH. She was overweight and is now back to her normal weight.

Thank you for the feedback and kind words! Encourages me to know that sharing my journey is helping someone. Please let me know if there are other videos you’d like to see.

Thank you for the kind words!

Great question. Ideally, a three-beat canter is what I shoot for. However, it is common that many gaited horses tend to not have much air time and are more four beat at the canter. To develop more air time, cantering over ground poles and letting the horse hand gallop can help. Other gaited horses have a lateral canter. and tension seems to make it worse. It is possible to help break up the lateral canter by relaxing the horse’s mouth, jaw and poll which can bring relaxation to the body. Bending exercises also help. This is a process and takes time. I hope this helps.

thanks for the info! Ours goes in a bitless bridle. I've tried ground poles at the walk when trying to do the freewalk- he plods into them right now lol would you prioritize bending work over pole work, or does it matter? he's got an adorable little running walk. @@NaturallyGaitedHorse

The head nod or the head peck? I would love to know the history. Please share.

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse did you read the history in the second comment by chance?

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse the head nodding gait is what is said.

Hi Equine Samsara, Terrific question. Thank you for asking. Do you mean at a trot or at a natural four-beat gait? I use dressage for the naturally gaited horse to teach: relaxation of mind and body to break pace and hard trot for more even four beat smooth gaits like flat walk and fox trot; to accept and follow a snaffle bit while I follow the horse's natural head and neck motion; to move with more even rhythm and tempo to improve improve stride length and evenness of stride; to take deeper steps under the body for better balance and engagement; to develop greater strength, flexibility, balance, and chest posture to carry less weight on the forehand; engage the core to lift the back and raise the wither head and neck as well as stretch out the top line and spine; and develop symmetry through lateral exercises (shoulder in, haunches in, shoulder out, renver, etc.) for an ambidextrous horse. Ultimately over time with consistent dressage improves the quality of smooth gaits and full range of motion for long term soundness and builds a partnership of harmony and trust between the naturally gaited horse and rider. The TWH shown in this video has been with me for 16 years and she is capable of collected through extended gaits on cue: counted walk, half steps, piaffe, collected walk, medium walk, extended walk, free walk, flat-footed walk, flat walk, running walk, saddle rack, fox trot, and collected through extended canter. We are working on Jambette with the hopes of Spanish walk. Passage hasn't been something I have been able to teach since she doesn't have a natural trot. I have two other naturally gaited horses that trot on cue. One hasn't excelled in high levels and the other is still a youngster with much promise. Stay tuned! Let me know if you have other questions.

Yes. Naturally gaited horses like the Tennessee walking horse are known for having a head nod at a flat walk and running walk.

Yep. My main lesson horses were Walkers; they like to head bob as you go along, just vibin'. Some happy snorts here and there if I was sitting correctly in the saddle and they could really move. I love Walkers. Riding a fast running walk is SO much fun!

Thank you for the kind words. I enjoy your channel as well. You do great work!

Thank you for the kind words. If there is anything you'd like to see, please let me know.

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse my mare is great! She’s very kind hearted and eager to learn. My fear of speed is our only problem. I need confidence videos. After 55+ years with horses, it’s odd to have anxiety. On the ground we are stellar. It’s me. I have a few videos on my page here of our bond.

@@NaturallyGaitedHorse maybe riding for an older person?

Hi Chad, Great question. Indirectly, I believe Jambette and Spanish walk improve gait by increasing the scope and range of motion of the front legs, stretching and strengthening the shoulders, improving balance, and lifting the chest. All of these elements improve quality of gait. I hope that helps.

Thank you for the kind words.

Hi Doreen, That was my start with horses, too. TBs and Arabians for 20 years until I got into gaited horses 15 years ago.

Hi Doreen, Thanks for watching and for writing. There are many ways to train a gaited horse and many ways to lunge a horse. I do my best to explain why I do what I do for the horse. This youtube channel applies dressage to the naturally gaited horse, particularly the Tennessee Walking Horse, to develop relaxation of mind and body, balance, forward movement without rushing, rhythm, accepting connection with the rider's legs, seat, weight and rein aids using a mild snaffle bit, symmetry (evenness and flexibility in both directions) and collection over time, to develop the horse's full range of motion and quality smooth gaits on cue. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching! Jennifer Klitzke and naturallygaited.com