How do you gait a horse? Like racking?

Question

I feel stupid for asking, i just say this vid and the horses were running smoothly, but it was a gait I'd never seen my horse do, and it looked fun. So how do you teach a horse to run like that? It was called racking or something, a fast smooth run.

Answer 1

Don't feel stupid we learn from other people. First of all you need a horse that is breed to be gaited such as a Tennesee Walking Horse or a Pasifino. Alot of Gaited horses especially racking horses have work done to thier feet like heavier shoes wich causes the racking to become more naturall and comfortable.  

Answer 2

their are certain breeds of horses that are called "gaited" and for the most part only those horses and have that gait, but i have seen a couple other horses that naturally had that gait.

Answer 3

sorry not following where did you see the video?

Answer 4

Hahahaha...I don't know if it's the video I posted or not, but it is lots of fun to do. The thing is your horse has to be bred for gaiting or be 'gaited' to do it. They still require training to refine the gait, but it's an innate intermediary gait. I have on occasion, and very oddly, seen an Arab that's been taught to rack. Can't really explain that, not to confuse you. Different gaited breeds can perform different gaits as well. Like TWH's have a running walk and some rack, some don't. MFT's have the Missouri Foxtrot and some can running walk and/or rack. There are many more; it just depends.

PS ~ that's not a stupid question

ADD: this may help, too: http://www.gaitedhorses.net/BreedArticle...