Fixing pacing in a racking horse

Question

Ok. I have a racing horse that just stared pacing how do i fix it myself?

Answer 1

I have a Racking Horse, too. He's more laterally inclined, so he will try to start pacing on me some times when he gets a bit unmotivated or I'm asking for a speed that is a bit too much for him. First, what I do when he starts pacing is stop him in his tracks and tell him very firmly "no", to let him know it's not a desirable gait. (The pace is really not good for them physically). Then I ask again for the rack. If he persists in pacing, I stop again and again and even start backing (though I prefer not to resort to that), if he's being really stubborn. To get him more diagonal again, I push him in a walk until he is basically dying to break to the next gait, but I half-halt him consistently to square him up for some time before I push him upward. Once I push him upward, I alternate from right rein squeeze to left heel tap to left rein squeeze to right heel tap to create a rhythm for him to follow. I do this in coordination with his hind-legs. Sometimes I gently tap him with the ends of the reins on his shoulder and count out the rack hoof fall for him out loud: 1 (split second pause) 2-3 (split second pause) 4 and make it a song. You can also sing-song: a-chunk-of-meat-and-two-potato, stressing the syllables, again creating a rhythmic melody. The leg-hand cueing as I described is in effect the entire time you do this, until he starts to rack then you leave him alone. Only do it when he's not racking. They key is to push them into the bridle just enough without pulling back on the reins (as this confuses them and you get in their mouth) and to not exceed the speed of the gait (not go too fast). Remember: light hands, light fingers, gentle cues, gentle aids - it's a lot like playing a fine instrument and there's a definite art and feel to it. A lot of gaited horses will break into a pace when they can't go as fast as you want them to in a rack or foxtrot. Work on rythm first; it's much more important than speed. Be sure to check your tack fit very diligently, so you have a clear conscience that it's truly a training issue and not pain. Don't let him get in his mind that pacing is an acceptable short cut. Reprimand it as clearly, consistently, and with as much immediacy as you would an attempted kick or bite. Rack On!

ADD: I couldn't help but wonder if you were able to try any of this and how did it work for you, if you did? Any improvement?

Answer 2

If the change was that sudden it's probably a pain issue. Could he have done anything in turnout or in his stall, slipped, cast himself, etc? Being a little footsore can also throw off timing.  

Answer 3

Its not unusual for gaited horses from certain lines to have a tendency to pace. Sometimes they will if they need their feet trimmed, especially if they generally don't pace to begin with.

Have your farrier trim your horse This will help considerably. Some horses can be shod to correct the pace using a heavier plantation shoe to break up the foot fall.

First,  I would ask what has changed to make your horse pace when it generally doesn't. That will give you some idea on where to start.

Answer 4

be sure to engadge him forward and keep him going!