Gaited horses offer equestrians a distinct riding experience through their specialized smoothened gaits. But for outsiders, just what qualifies a horse is “gaited” can seem rather mysterious.
The answer lies in the unique footfall patterns natural to certain breeds that set them apart from your average trotting horse. Let’s take a more in depth look at what truly defines a gaited equine and why these special athletes make such comfortable partners for any rider.
Pacing and Other Alternative Gaits:
At the most basic level, gaited horses are identified by having natural intermediate gaits beyond the typical walk and canter/gallop that involve diagonal rather than lateral movement of the legs.
Pacing, where the legs on the same longitudinal plane (left leg and right leg) move together, provides a superbly cushioned four beat rhythm rather than a trot’s bouncy two beat lateral stride. Paso FiOS, Peruvian Pesos and many others are known for their comfortable, efficient pace.
But pacing is not the only variant gait seen in gaited breeds. The running walk produces a smooth three beat effect with the hind legs stepping nearly in place while the front legs extend forward. Popular in Tennessee Walkers, it makes for an energy conserving amble.
Then there’s the rack, an extremely fast and high stepping gait confined to just Missouri Fox Trotting Horses. Icelandic horses stand out with their tilt, a lateral four beat gait appearing to merge the characteristics of a pace and running walk.
While distinct from one another, all these alternative gaits differentiate gaited breeds through being performed on the diagonal rather than lateral plane.
No matter the specifics, it’s the presence of natural intermediate movements other than a basic trot that earns gaited equines their title.
Beloved Breeds Renowned for Riding Comfort:
Certain horse types have long been prized for their reliable gaited ability. Tennessee Walking Horses originated in the 1800s as a favored carriage or plantation horse able to cover ground smoothly all day in their running walk.
Descended from Spanish stock introduced to Puerto Rico, Paso FiOS demonstrate exquisite extension and timing in their signature running walk, making quite the elegant performance spectacle.
Peruvian Pesos carry themselves very proudly with a supremely relaxed pace refined over generations. Icelandic Horses stand just 13-14 hands tall but pack plenty of personality and stamina to cross their homeland’s rugged mountains in their lateral tilting gait or multi gaited tilt.
Missouri Fox Trotting Horses, evolved on southern plantations, now show their rack, a ridiculously fast stepped gait, along with the ability to fox trot for miles on end.
Whether taking the trails or competing in breed specific events, these horses and their unique gaits have found enthusiastic admirers the world over. Their smooth diagonal patterns translate to a gentle ride like no other for both pleasure and achievement oriented equestrians alike.
Training Gaited Gaits in Non-Gaited Breeds:
While naturally occurring in some breeds, gaited patterns can also be developed in non-gaited horse through patient training techniques:
| Gait | Training Method |
| Pace | Start by trot pace transitions at the walk until the horse will pace freely both ways. Cues include neck reining & leading leg cues. |
| Running Walk | Begin with lengthened walks with engaged hindquarters. Progress to three beat rhythm with cued speed variations. |
| Rack | Introduce by asking for lengthened, high steps during faster gaits. As speed increases, collect into a smooth, high stepping gait. |
Proper training develops each gait systematically starting from the walk with clear cues (neck reining, leading leg taps) to target the correct diagonal cadence. Taking time with foundation work will help non-gaited breeds adopt these intermediate gaits comfortably.
What Science Reveals About Gaited Mechanics:
The biology supporting a gaited horse’s athletic prowess becomes clearer under the lens of equine biomechanics.
Skeletally, their limb bones exhibit characteristics well suited to disperse force across sequences of diagonal weight shifts rather than jarring lateral movements.
Their digital flexor and extensor muscle groups incorporate special tendinous intersections and extensive windlass mechanisms within thickened areas of their lower legs.
These anatomical specializations function to absorb and redirect stress over longer durations when weight transfers diagonally versus laterally through a horse’s frame. Simultaneously, the inside legs placed close to the center line minimize vertical displacement, keeping the animal’s center of mass steady no matter the speed.
Such refined structural adaptations underlie why gaited breeds remain sound competitors into their late teens or beyond while maintaining comfortable rides.
Notably, several published orthopedic studies have found gaited horses incur up to half the risk of non-gaited light horse breeds for injuries such as fragmented windgall bones, splint fractures and other conditions resulting from repetitive concussive forces.
Some experts even theorize their shock absorbing musculoskeletal design contributes to these animals’ lower documented rates of gastric ulcers too. Truly, gaited horses’ evolved conformation serves both performance ability and long term athletic health.
Developing an Intermediate Gait in Non-Gaited Horses:
Naturally occurring in select horse types does not preclude training reliable gaited patterns in non-gaited individuals as well, with care taken to properly condition their bodies for the movement:
Pacing begins by introducing the concept at the walk, reinforcing the diagonal placement of legs through neck reining aids and occasional leading leg cues until the horse willingly enters a controlled pace in both directions.
Running Walk built from the standard walk with drills to longitudinally engage the hindquarters in extension. Progress by speeding the walk while keeping the three beat front hind cadence, cuing with careful speed and rein variations.
Rack in quickening tempos, ask for magnified forward reach and high knee drive from behind the vertical. Monitor for a fluid four beat diagonal rhythm emerging without irregular steps.
Fundamentally, any gait transformation depends on steady foundation training to prepare muscles for the unfamiliar diagonal patterns. Go slowly, reward correct stride efforts, and keep each gaited horse comfortable as its natural talents unfold over months of low pressure practice.
Gaited Performance Venues and Competitive Disciplines:
Breed registries accommodating specialized gaited breeds host organized competitions judging riding abilities unique to each type.
For example, the American Gaited Horse Association sanctions trail pleasure classes assessing a horse’s comfortable gaits across natural terrains. Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Fox Trotter shows feature rail classes testing gaits like the running walk, trot and rack alongside other in hand and under saddle events.
Gaited disciplines place prime importance on execution of species distinctive gaits more so than jumping, reining or other all purpose light horse activities. Paso FiOS particularly stand out with their refined, elevated running walk evaluated in hand during halter or in liberty format without a bridle.
Overall, competitive venues cultivate and celebrate the splendid natural athleticism possessed by pacing, racking and other favored gaited equine lines.
Health, Longevity and the Advantages of Gaited Movement:
Ultimately, the anatomical marvels granting gaited horses calm, economical transportation translate to diminished orthopedic strain over lifetimes of use.
Few equestrians will find mounts more dependably sound for daily leisurely riding or shows season after season than well bred individuals hailing from gaited types. The longitudinal weight shifting patterns decrease concussion to joints in comparison to lateral diagonals.
Research also associates gaited horse’s eased stresses on the musculoskeletal system with protecting gastrointestinal health. Their gentle four beat rhythm may help curb ulcer formation to a degree due to reduced sympathetic nervous stimulation.
Kindly gaited breeds generally live active, pain free lives into their late 20s given usual quality care, a true rarity among performance equines. All around, their special biomechanics cultivate hardy, durable athletic partners for human riders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does it mean when you say a horse is gaited?
A: A horse that moves each leg independently.
Q: What’s the difference between a gaited horse and a regular horse?
A: The difference is in the upper speeds.
Q: Why do people like gaited horses?
A: He is often smoother than a regular horse and his movements have little suspension.
Q: How long do gaited horses live?
A: 28 to 33 years.
Q: Can you train a horse to be gaited?
A: Work your horse at the walk, walk, and more walk.
Conclusion:
In closing, gaited horses hold untold gifts for enjoyable equitation through their evolved alternative gaits.
Whether taking up competitive disciplines like racking or reaping relaxation on quiet trail excursions, “gaited” defines certain breeds’ affinity for carrying people in utmost riding ease. Science illuminates why their anatomies deliver famously comfy transportation too.
Those open to discovery may just find a newfound fondness for pacing, running, walking or other smooth gaited variations after experiencing the unique talents of these impressive equine athletes.
Freya Lily has been a passionate blog writer since 2010, crafting content that captivates and informs her readers across a variety of topics. With over a decade of experience, Freya has honed her skills in delivering insightful and engaging narratives that resonate with her audience. Her dedication to quality writing and her ability to adapt to evolving trends have established her as a notable voice in the blogging community, where her work continues to inspire and engage readers.