Gaited Horse Breeds

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What is a gaited horse?

All horses are "gaited" in the sense that walk, trot and canter are all considered gaits. So, what is a so-called gaited horse, and what makes it different from other horses?

Horses that perform a gait separate from the standard three listed above are generally considered gaited horses. Breeds that promote these different gaits are called gaited breeds. Within these breeds, the gait can vary considerably, with certain individuals that gait almost from birth, and others that take sufficient work to get and keep in their signature gait.

So, what is so special about this "gait" that entire breeds are founded on? Most alternate gaits are fast and smooth, covering the ground at the speed of a big trot but without the bounce of a two-beat diagonal gait. The footfalls of a horse in an alternate gait are similar to those of a horse simply walking, but much faster, and without the moment of suspension that causes the jarring jolt a trotting horse may bestow upon its rider.

Following are some of the more commonly known gaited horse breeds.

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Favorite gaited breed? 

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walk, stepping pace, and rack 

this gelding starts off at a nice fast walk, speeds up into a stepping pace, and settles into a rack ... all three gaits are "four-beat" and very smooth for the rider

Titan gaiting (incl. slow-mo)

Posted to get gait critique from other gaited horse enthusiasts. Please rate video and leave comments. IMHO he is racking and when he speeds up, possibly doing more of a stepping pace ... regardless, he's smooth and I love riding this horse. :) He was not really at his best here because he was annoyed with the dog. ;) Song is Wiggle It by 2 in a Room.

curated content from YouTube

The gaited horse dilemma 

The only real down side to going gaited.

You found the perfect gaited horse. I mean this baby really glides, riding is effortless, and you even found one in your favorite color. You just can't wait to show your prize off at the next group trail ride...

then you realize as you are leaving the stock horses in the dust, or they have to jog or even lope to keep up with your horses' naturally faster "walk" and your trail buddies are giving you an evil look...

that you are simply going to have to convert ALL of your friends to the gaited world!

Fortunately, it's a pretty easy conversion. Let them take a spin on your gaited horse. Usually, that's all it takes.

(Disagree? Make a lens about YOUR favorite breed.)

Gaited horse videos 

Gaits can vary quite a bit between breeds. Even some "non-gaited" breeds can often be taught a four-beat gait. Check out these videos collected on YouTube of easy gaiting horses.

Skjoni Saddle Rack

Gaiting


gait and gallop


Speed Racking horse Smooth and clocked at 25 MPH Amazing!!

Black and White


curated content from YouTube

Gaited Horse Gifts 

 



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