A Tennessee Walker's conformation allows it to gait. The gait is comprised of 4 beats with the front foot striking the ground just before the opposite diagonal hind foot and the hind feet over stepping between 6-15 inches. What occurs as a result of this cadence, is a smooth gliding effect.
The Tennessee Walker's gait is definitely natural. You will see foals performing the gait even at a few days old. However, you will also see foals trot at times, pace at times, and gallop at times. Does this mean the foal will not be gaited well? Absolutely not. What sets Walking Horses apart from diagonal going breeds is that it can also move easily in a lateral way. Hince the problem. Walking horses can do everything other horses do plus the 4 beat glide. When first started under saddle, a young walking horse has to be taught to stay in his 4 beat gliding gait. Initially, he doesn't understand that its time to loose the other fancy foot work he can do such as the trot or pace (which are lazy ways of going for a walking horse). This takes time, patience and much practice just as teaching dressage, reining, or even gaiting to other breeds. Unfortunately with this breed, many people believe in taking short cuts that are not in the best interest of the horse. Ofcourse, if you look hard enough, you can find shortcut takers in any breed.
We have met many people who purchased young walking horses and became disenchanted because they didn't know what they were doing and neither did the horse. We learned much the same way initially. If your walking horse isn't gaiting, it is you. Most likely, you didn' t or don't know how to collect him to help him round out his frame, you perhaps let him trot or pace at times while you rode, and as a result, not only has he not built the right muscles to maintain the gait, he is unclear as to what he is supposed to be doing when you are on his back. So, if you fall into the category of a frustrated TWH owner, here is my five step plan to helping you overcome your frustrations.
1. First recognize that the problems lies with the rider. Whether it is patience, a need for better hands, or a better seat and legs, it is the rider..
2. Check your balance. If you are off balance, your seat with throw off the gaited cadence. Ride the horse and sit the saddle as if he is already gaiting.
3. Collect your horse to help him round out his frame. Once a walking horse is set in its gait and has learned collection, he will collect himself without your help. But until then, collect him. Use your hands, seat, and legs to guide him towards a more perfect gait. Ask for a little more each day. He will get it. Be patient. Rushing him can cause mental and physical damage as is true with any gaited breed.
4. The minute your horse breaks gait, half halt him or slow him down just a hair. Your horse will quickly learn that when he does that other thing (trot or pace), it is not what you want and you will help him to build the correct muscles and muscle memory. Be patient. It's kind of like training a toddler to walk with balance and rhythm. We know they have many falls along the way. Your walking horse won't fall, but his legs may get out of sinc at first.
5. If you've tried all of the above and still have gaiting issues, get some professional help with your horse. An allowed continuance of the wrong foot falls only makes it harder to get him back on track.
Are Some TWH's Smoother Than Others?
Do all humans walk alike? The answer is no. Walking Horses are no exception. While conformation plays a role in smoothness, it is not the end all to everything. I have seen some with not so good conformation that are as smooth as they can be. I have even seen and we have trained, part walking horses who were smooth. Perhaps they didn't cover as much ground and did not do the classic flat or running walk, but they were smooth. Some walking horses are smoother at the running walk while others are smoother at the flat walk. Each horse's cadence will be a little different. Some will overstride more than others. Some will have more animation with the front legs, more lift. But the smooth 4 beat gait will be there if ridden and trained properly and yes, because of all the variances, some will be smoother than others, but all will be smooth The biggest variance I find today in this breed are that some are bred towards a more pacey side. This provides more swing in the show ring and enables the horse to carry the padded shoes better. Even then however, show barn trainers bring the horse back over more towards the square side with training. Most horses who come down off of the show ring pads are very pacey but even they can become smooth trail mounts if the over exaggerated cadence is tamed down. The 4 beat smooth gait is generally still there once the horse develops the proper cadence flat shod.
Tennessee Walking Horse Gaiting 101
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