Questions for people that own gaited horses?

Question

My mom rides an older Missouri Fox Trotter that is my trainers trail horse and really likes him because he is so smooth. She broke her tail bone last year and is not very comfortable after riding my 3 gaited horses. I was wondering what to look for in a Missouri Fox Trotter because my mom might want to buy one soon because the one she rides is old and cannot do things that he used to. My only fear about buying a gaited horse is if the horse has training issues. No one we know has a gaited horse and we can not locate a trainer in our area. Are they really that different from training a regular horse. I have experiance with training horse but i do not know how to fix a gaited horse if they were to break gait.

Lastly are there any other breeds you would reccomend? My mom likes the smooth pace of the Trotter and the speed. We have a friend that has a walker but even his running walk is not very fast. She will probably just ride for fun and enjoy having the bond of a horse. Thank You.

Answer 1

I adore my Tennessee Walking horse and I don't know anyone who has a bad thing to say about them in general. They are known for their excellent temperament, which was my top priority on the horse hunt. I wasn't even looking for a gaited horse! I swear se doesn't even know how to pin her ears. You can't p**s her off no matter what you do. You would never know she was a mare - so friendly! She looks downright confused when mares squeal at her! However, you are absolutely right to be afraid. She has so so many issues under saddle as does every twh I've met that wasn't trained by a knowledgeable gaited horse trainer. They are built so differently from other horse that you can't ask them to do certain activities in the same way as other horses - it just hurts them and causes these under-saddle behavioral issues. Did you know that gaited horses are the equine equivalent to double jointed humans? I read that in an article last week, wish I could find it. The last girl who rode my horse ened up in the ER because my horse can't turn left and consequently ran into a wall. Weird, right? Her right hind stifle locks and give out on her, so sharp left turns hurt her or make her afraid that she'll fall. The condition itself is no big deal if dealt with correctly, but you need a knowledgeable trainer. So My advice would definitely be to get a a TWH, but only a well-schooled, middle aged horse from a reputable breeder, even if you have to drive a ways to find it. No greenies! It will kill you to have such a sweet, sweet horse and not have a clue what to do with it!! Thanks for being responsible and doing your research.

Answer 2

i would get a morgan

because they are versatile- western- dressage- jumping- trail

they love people and are for the most part willing and even tempered and they have a smooth gait with out all being gaited

Answer 3

You and your mom should look into getting a Tennessee Walking Horse. TWH (Tennessee Walking Horse) are great for a smooth ride. Their gaits, flat walk and running walk are so smooth it's like riding on air. Also TWH are known for their great personality and willingness to learn. My mom's Walker, Storm, was almost totally green when we got him. Now 7months later he's showing and placing in nationally ranked shows. Oh, also about the running walk, some TWH's running walks can be as fast as some horse's canters. It's all the matter of finding the right TWH thta fits your mom and what she wants to do.

Answer 4

Tennesse Walker are smooth gaited horses we have 3 there are some that can do Speed racking witch is very fast

Answer 5

You look at some western pleasure horses.  I like trotters tho.

Answer 6

i own and raise rocky mountain and kentucky mountain horses.some of the smoothest rides any one could ask for.these horses are sweet, calm ,intellegant,and wonderful compainons.they will get you to town and back.

Answer 7

all gaitehorses are great.  I personally see problems in MFT's becasue they are more prone to not be naturally gaited liek other breeds. ( trust me i train horses on a MFT horse farm to get them to gait)  other great horse breeds are

from most common and a few things about them.

Tennessee Walking horse- moste well known gaited hrose.  very gentle very smooth all colors shapes and sizes.

Rocky/ Kentucky mountain horse- Lovely colors sweet tempermants/ sometimes have a eye problem it has to do with coloring and genetics.

Icelandics- small but VERY fast and stout.  great little movers

i personally say TWH becasue i own 3 but they are all great.  Also most gaited horses break gait becasue the rider is letting them.

a gaited hrose in order to keep in gait must have its back rounded out.  it can't be shallow.  to d othis you must tuck its head under by half halting with one rein and holding with the other.

any more questions jsut ask or e-mail