Best thing you can do to get your horse to gait!

[@lesliewhite1319]

To all the gaited horse riders struggling with their pacey horses ...DON'T GIVE UP! Last summer I was ready to give up on my horse (the one in this video). I would get so frustrated riding with my gaited friends as they were having fun gaiting, and I was just bouncing or hanging in the back. Then I started looking at You Tube. Ivy's videos and DVDs made all the difference in inspiring me to work with him and get that Fox Trot. Training is not just a weekend ride, you have to be diligent, consistent and patient. I worked with TJ at least 3 or 4 days a week for only 20 min. a session. No indoor arena, just paddock. If it was nasty out we worked in the barn doing tricks. A great bonding experience. As she said, I got him to do a trot, but I got stuck and couldn't get him out of a trot. I got him slowed down to a smoother trot, but still not a true Fox Trot. I took him to her clinic and yes 26 min the 1st day a lovey Fox Trot! I'm so grateful to Ivy, and that I didn't give up on my sweet boy!

[@leealexander3507]

My arabian breaks into a rack naturally at times but doesn't pace. I discovered he has some gaited ancestors Although few arabians gait there are a small number who do. If I were going to show him I'd have to train him not to, but it's a great thing for me spinal problems.

[@mohabbateinrangde5857]

I once had tölt lessons from a cowboy and I learned to ride my pony with a low head and a but under to tölt. Now that my friend is getting horse riding lessons I am so confused why they are training head up in these times! (15 hrs later!). So I found your channel now and I find you very inspiring and it feels like you talk my language but then much much better! Thank you again.

[@charlottesanhueza5634]

Came across this video by coincidence. Breeding icelandics in Norway. Makes a lot of sense. As my confidence as a trainer and a rider grew, I started riding young hourses on loose reins and discovered that the looser the reins - the lower the head (train on forrest trails, not arenas - the horse naturally takes the head down to check where to put the feet), the more relaxed the horse during the first months of training and building of muscles - the easier I got the tölt when time came to start gait-training (very often just suddenly "was there", all by itself).

[@crystalcavell6485]

I hope you still have that horse. You can tell he loves you! ❤

[@deetngator4191]

I wish I had known this when I had my mustang! He was a shuffler and could rack like crazy. He also was slabsided and narrow as could be. But still love him. Had him 25 years. My first 🐎. From the pens, came out of the great basin in Nevada

[@ginacarney5189]

Thank you! This is just what I needed. Rode my first Tennesse walker today and felt like I had never ridden a horse before. Felt like I had no control..actually didn't and wouldn't listen. This is a great help.

[@naunettemartin7450]

You ride your horse so good and do good with your horse Nannette

[@emmakeatts8026]

1st I have heard of drop your head I like this idea it will make me change my way of riding thank you

[@ceewink5658]

Thank you! I just found you and have learned more from just a few vids than I have from the trainer my horse has! She only trains the horse, has not even tried to explain anything to me. I think I will not need her much anymore!! I ordered your PDF set, and will be joining your FB group next payday!! I hope I can get to a clinic of yours soon. My 7 y.o. TWH and I are working on the head down, something I was told about, but not taught anything about! THANK YOU! My horse has more training than I do, so I am really learning a lot from you to at least catch up to what he might already know. I feel very hopeful and more confident with your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@constructioncenter]

Thank you for this video! My Spotted Saddle mare, Bella, seems to have been pacing because I was asking her to keep her head higher, and now after watching this video I know what to do!

[@RobinFinnell]

Oh Ivy, I'm loving your horse pulling a Kanye West on you! Great tips as I'm riding a gaited horse for a good friend and this certified Rocky Mtn won't gait at all. As you know, my BG is in Dressage so these videos are wonderful. Love ya! 💖

[@IvyS]

You are so welcome!

[@lisahogue4583]

I come from a dressage & hunter jumper background. This makes total sense to me. I have a Peruvians that we’re all trained by a Peruvians trainers from Peru. I have shown & now want my horses to relax on the trail. I have a recently gelded stallion that showed breeding division & was taught to crank it up in the ring. So yes I am looking for alternatives outside the show world training. Thank you I have subscribed 😊

[@dannirodgers2703]

Works exactly as you said for my retired Standardbred (pacer) horse trained under saddle to gait. It takes time but I've done everything from the beginning as you have demonstrated and shown... it works!

[@philtaylor1808]

Getting the head to drop really does work. My mare Gracie, Paso Fino, was doing a stepping pace and pace. I started with lateral flexion on the ground and then in the saddle, getting her to walk in a circle while while keeping her head in down and flexed. Then I started to work on vertical flexion, which is easier to do once she was soft with the lateral. Then I took her over the poles. In about an hour she was doing a nice 4 beat gait .I started with a gait analysis with Ivy and then got her first 2 videos and the ride along video. It's really not that difficult. I've never had any formal equestrian training and the results I was able to get with Gracie are great.

[@barbaraschutter582]

Love the slow motion, really helps !

[@Ellie0956]

Great video! How does one train the horse to lower the head?

[@IvyS]

I have this video to talk about how to train head down: shop.ivyshorses.com/Train-Your-Horse-to-Drop-Its-Head-Instant-Download-head-down-video.htm

[@ceewink5658]

@@IvyS link broke

[@IvyS]

@@ceewink5658 the video is now available for free at my website. www.ivyshorses.com

[@ahammond1023]

I just stumbled on your videos looking for training of TWH. I acquired one last year and I know NOTHING about training them and I believe this guy is pacey..... He's was only green broke and then thrown out to pasture for years. He's very bouncy to ride most of the time and every now and then he smooths out. I'm assuming when he smooths out is when he gets in his gait. I'm hoping I can watch your videos and learn a lot. I've just started riding him every day so I've got long way to go because he's also not very forward. But I enjoy your videos so far!!!! Look forward to watching more.

[@kalikalad8954]

Angie Hammond: I once owned a Walker who hated gaiting--she liked to trot, so I taught her to be a show hunter, go figure! When I was training my Paso Fino filly, I learned that circles and figures (serpentines, figure-8s, reverses, etc) were very useful in teaching her to collect herself, and when she tucked up and carried herself properly she fell into her natural fino gait. It wasn't a miracle cure, it took a bit of time, but it really helped. Also, lots of work going up and down hills is good for building up strength in the hind end, where gaited horses really need it. Pole-bending is good as well, just don't try to do it fast (we never had poles, so I would set up traffic cones and bend her around them--works just as well!) Best of luck!

[@francinehamilton3997]

I will definitely work on getting my horse's head down.

[@KateAdair-e8s]

Are you doing any clinics in Washington State?

[@RaniTanny]

Think you are awesome!😁. One Q: what cue do you use to drop a horse's head? Thanks for your help

[@IvyS]

You can see how I train head down in the free video. Sign up on my website. www.ivyshorses.com

[@chrissysworld2533]

I am def working on this with my horse and ty

[@nicoledickson7872]

Omg..I feel so out of my depth..I'm watching loads of training videos before I get a horse..I hope I can get them to listen.. and instill great habits..what videos of yours are best for a beginner rider..

[@chantallamb8652]

I have a Tennessee walking horse and looking for ways to bring out his natural gaites ,hope these help me do so

[@terryjaneannduszik8763]

I watched lowering head on cue, how do u teach cue?

[@CABALLOSYMAS]

estan hermosos tus caballos

[@noneya9536]

Interesting since they use that head & hind end like a Dolphin on land. Not sure if anyone has swam fly? When I’m riding my TNW it’s same rhythm & feeling & I find myself mimic that & the ride & horse are beautiful. Low head I thought was a barrel racing use 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@reneekh3599]

I agree, but you shouldn't just concentrate on the front end, while ignoring the back end... Getting them to engage the hind quarters & swing through the back is critical to both gaited & non-gaited horses. You cannot do this @ any secondary gait without "near perfecting" the walk first. I like to get horses stretching their heads down @ a walk with a light, following contact while I ask with my seat & leg for them to lengthen their step & reach further under their bodies with their hind legs. Once they are nicely striding out @ the walk, & have built those leg, butt, & back muscles, you can slowly pick up more contact/connection with reins (but still remain soft & following with your hands) without disturbing the tempo or rhythm. And you should never ask for a secondary gait on a green horse unless you are in this open strided & energetic gait.

[@reneecurry2907]

Thank you

[@kalikalad8954]

Absolutely! This is basic dressage theory--when a horse drops its head, its back becomes round, it stretches all the torso muscles, it becomes more relaxed and comfortable. Now, unfortunately, in a Paso Fino, at least, this posture tends to cause the horse to relax into an ambling gait that is not correct for showing. You should still encourage relaxation and stretching like this, but I don't think it improves the gait itself. Rather, it improves the foundation for the proper gait by enabling the horse to assume a correct frame. It took years for me to teach my (abused) Paso how to drop his head, but once he learned he was almost a different horse! It was like he never knew he could relax under saddle--once he realized, he was SO much happier. Thank you for pointing out how important this is for ALL horses.

[@vtgboys4832]

I have a quarter horse mix with therebread and his gates like that but he keeps his head up he was a parade horse and I can’t get him to put it down like that

[@IvyS]

Put your email in and you get a free video on how to train head down. forms.aweber.com/form/20/1789372020.htm

[@colleenspence3246]

Good idea, but how do you ask your horse to put his head down?

[@IvyS]

I talk about it in a lot of my free videos, or I explain how to do this in my first DVD, Volume I: shop.ivyshorses.com/Gaited-Horse-Products_c2.htm Or this separate digital download: shop.ivyshorses.com/Train-Your-Horse-to-Drop-Its-Head-Instant-Download-head-down-video.htm

[@kalikalad8954]

Colleen Spence: Start with low hands and gradually-lightening contact at the walk--in a round pen or paddock if you're nervous about "letting go." Relax YOUR body, talk or sing softly, and rub his neck or withers a bit. Horses don't want to be tense and tight any more than we do. He'll pick it up faster than you think.

[@RealtorMandy]

that intro though!!

[@yourlocalfarm]

How about raced standardbred😂 they used to ride with their head high up，I need some tips for the mare I just adopted

[@IvyS]

You can totally do the softness training with your standardbred. linktr.ee/headdown

[@yourlocalfarm]

@@IvyS Thank you！I just watch part one，going to watch part 2，love your videos，really informative

[@trinaallberry357]

How do you ask them to drop their head?

[@IvyS]

Subscribe to my email last to get the free head down training video. forms.aweber.com/form/20/1789372020.htm

[@fiazhussainkhan6030]

Plz tell me caught the horse for gait

[@rrrrrr-ry3cn]

Can a giated horse compite in axtreme cowboy?

[@IvyS]

rrr rrr It should be open for any breed, so, yes!

[@rrrrrr-ry3cn]

Ivy Schexnayder do you think they will be good at it...

[@canreffy]

rrr rrr - You asked if a gaited horse can compete in Extreme Cowboy races. You bet they can! The winner of an EC race in Ontario a few years ago was a Paso Fino stallion Mercenario de la Libertad. (Google him to see.) He and his (female) rider just blew everybody out of the water, rather embarassing all the male competitors with their Quarter Horses. In fact, at one station where the rider gets off and leaves the horse, to do some requirement, her horse stood stock still waiting for her, but the horses of a couple of other competitors actually took off and ran right out of the arena, lol.

[@danialezero93]

Where are you from? and do you know about liberty training?

[@susancountauthor4155]

I was JUST at a clinic with a local gaited horse trainer... He said my horse was traveling too heavy on the forehand and I needed to get his head up. Call me confused.

[@IvyS]

Susan, do you have any videos of how your horse moves? A horse can be heavy on the forehand, but the solution isn't a higher head. It is to get them using their hind end and freeing up their shoulders so they can physically lift the front end up. Lateral work is the key for that.

[@susancountauthor4155]

Hum... interesting. I don't but I will ask a friend to help me with that after this storm system passes.

[@TheKathywaits]

I have a quarter horse with a trot that hurts. Is it possible to teach a quarter horse to be a gaited horse. I love this horse but he really hurts me when we trail ride because of his trot. HELP

[@summergosnell3165]

Kathy Waits you cant get a qh horse to gait unfortunately 😕 but you can look how to get him.to smooth out his trot or do a nice slow lope thats usually pretty smooth

[@KKIcons]

Kathy Waits The lateral work to get them more correctly trotting will let them put a little swing in their trot which will make it more comfortable. Also get a good seat saver and a saddle where you can post if you want to trot faster. (Have the same problem, a trotting horse that often doesn't want to gait. But working on developing her top line has made her trot very smooth.) Another tip is work on exercises to make sure they aren't buddy sour and that they are relaxed when they are around other horses. They are smoother when they are relaxed, a lot of times. Where you can ride on a loose rein, not head-up, bracy and hollow, being controlled by the bit, etcetera. We do tons of work-the-walk and disengages, and also groundwork to help them carry themselves better.

[@byron3207]

Ant tips on how to train a quarter horse to gait?

[@Deej496]

Gaited horses gait..... Its in their DNA... Quarter Horses are a non gaited breed and cannot gait as its not in their DNA to be able move their feet in the correct foot fall... Sorry. {Although Quarter horses ARE awesome.. America's Horse... Gotta love that! ;) }

[@MrALAKERS]

Sell it and buy a gaited.

[@constructioncenter]

Where is your farm located?

[@IvyS]

This was taken in Illinois, but I'm now in Texas.

[@constructioncenter]

@@IvyS Okay👍

[@Conny226]

How do you teach a horse head down ?

[@IvyS]

Free videos here: linktr.ee/headdown

[@Margalicia1]

Curious. Was always told you need to help them by lifting the front with head up. Don't gaited horses need to have front lifted to gait evenly.

[@IvyS]

Actually, no. Lifting a horse's head up high is very bad for their long term health and soundness. :( We need to train them to be balanced and reward them for gaiting.

[@kalikalad8954]

Ziggy B: Much more important for them to carry their own weight properly, by tucking their hindquarters under them. This lets them lift the entire front half of their bodies, which gives them the lightness and balance to gait correctly. Their heads and necks will naturally come up as well, but the RIDER doesn't lift them--the horse does.

[@jayplynnuno6838]

so what did you do to ask him to drop it?

[@IvyS]

shop.ivyshorses.com/Train-Your-Horse-to-Drop-Its-Head-Instant-Download-head-down-video.htm

[@Shewolfen]

that loud pounding music is torture.the instructor keeps saying teach them to drop the head over and over. with no information on how to do that. redundant . But the arabian is a sweety. :)

[@clairebarker296]

Ivy has several videos explaining how she encourages this-you need good balance and soft, responsive hands. The horse will keep looking for "the answer", and when the head drops-you need to release any pressure immediately.

[@lucylottie8222]

What is gaiting???? Or how ever you say it

[@Deej496]

A smooth 4 beat lateral way of moving with 3 feet on the ground and 1 off, as the horse glides along the trail.... Its in their DNA to be able to perform the movements. Non-gaited horses , also known as trotters cannot "GAIT"...

[@theresaharris8657]

like your like your videos on gauge horses

[@dmoney8052]

Can I get my quarter horse into a nice gaited horses

[@IvyS]

Probably not. Sorry.

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

I prefer the rack, but do not like the pace.

[@shelleyzoe8254]

what is wrong with a posting trot?? that's all I want . TWH.

[@naunettemartin7450]

My horse lower her hand she is a jumper horse Nannette

[@dannirodgers2703]

Standardbred....

[@Suzb50]

Do Arabians gait? I’m told horses must be born with ability to gait. Is this a trait in Arabs?

[@clegg334]

you really dont explain HOW to get the horse to drop its head.

[@IvyS]

Check the link in the description. :). Free video!

[@clegg334]

@@IvyS thank you

[@drpepperrocks1951]

Take the horse out of the arena and having his head "dirt low" is just invataion to stop and eat!

[@IvyS]

Not so. When you go out of the arena, the horses naturally raise their heads. If you are having trouble with a horse eating, then most likely they need more forward movement.

[@IvyS]

I only work on head down to help establish relaxation and softness, not as a way of going. They don't need to keep the head down, but they do need to learn to stretch that low when asked.

[@joelcampbell9945]

Add a toe weight on his front feet put his foot angle at about 55 degrees simple i have trained Saddlebreads for 30 years

[@prayerangel1]

You don't actually SAY how you get them to put their head low and I didn't SEE anything you did differently in this video that had him put his head down. It's like the Emperor's new clothes...am I the only one who saw nothing at all transpire but she says she "made him put his head down"?

[@IvyS]

This video is 6 years old. I have these new videos that go through how to do it. linktr.ee/headdown

[@angelmatagi7776]

It is way harder for a horse to pace with his head down, my boy is an ex pacer (racer) whre they are trained to keep their head up even with a tie down...do you actually know the mechanics of an pacing horse, if not research it....you ruin the horses poll neck back which will lead to a very painful all over horse...It is NOT natural for a horse to pace at all but why make it do it YOUR way & not the way that suits & is more comfortable for the horse

[@IvyS]

Thanks for your comment. I don't understand, though, I am advocating for a low head to stop a horse from pacing. ???

[@CanafYerHasan]

►☼♪♫!!

[@Niki-im5yn]

The horse is way more intelligent than the person speaking, let a horse be a horse