I have a 30 month old Kentucky Mtn. Horse. I have seen no gaited action at liberty. I was told if they bob their head walking they are gaited. I know the mother was Kty Mtn. but not sure of father. was a rescue situation. Is this true? Or are there other signs I can look at. He is not under saddle yet. thank you
Posted 2007-03-31 7:49 PM (#58173 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Veteran
Posts: 150 Location: Le Claire IA
Don't make an assumption yet. It all changes when you ride them. I train, raise a few. I have 2 right now that are walking and shaking and NEVER did a 4 beat gait in the pasture. One paced, one trotted.
The pacey one was still pacey under saddle last fall but this year is Walkin great! She's 5 this year and I start them LATE. (3 and 4).
Posted 2007-03-31 8:31 PM (#58176 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Regular
Posts: 66 Location: Maryland
there are gaited websites that will help you with this. I have walking horses and yes their heads shake up and down, while moving while they are doing the 4 beat gait with their feet. A nice gaited horse will be smooth in any gait they are in. You do not post of a gaited horse and you ride with a longer stirrup. I do know you can go onto www.twhbea.com and it will explain the gaits to you. I'm sure their are websites for the kty. mtn. horse. We have some people that show their mountain horses in our open class shows. Hope this helps and good luck !!!!!
Posted 2007-04-01 10:17 AM (#58227 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Gobles, MI
Don't start to worry until you start to ride your horse. My favorite Walking horse does nothing but trot in the pasture but when you ride her she gaits like a fool.
Posted 2007-04-01 8:13 PM (#58252 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Member
Posts: 13
Location: s.vienna ohio
Thanks to all that answered my thread. It has helped me alot. I tend not to have alot of patience! I will start working him to get ready to saddle and see what happens. I just hope he grows some. Thanks again and happy trails to all.
Posted 2007-04-02 7:49 PM (#58332 - in reply to #58252) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Columbia, TN
Good luck , alot of people think thay have to go a certain way. I don't care if they are doing the Texas Two Step as long as it feels good to my butt. It can be running walk , rack, foxtrot, single foot or stepping pace. They may do more than one at different speeds.
Posted 2007-04-03 9:25 PM (#58428 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Member
Posts: 13
Location: s.vienna ohio
Shequila16, I am located near Springfield. Half way between Dayton and Columbus. I am sold on gaited horses but just have alot to learn. will be going to Equine Affaire in a few days.
Posted 2007-04-04 1:36 AM (#58438 - in reply to #58162) Subject: RE: gaited horses
Location: KY
Equine Affaire should be a great experience. Look up Brenda Imus (Gaits of Gold). I think she is doing some demos...... IceCrm said it right; get the best gait from your horse that is there, be it the two step, waltz or whatever. Imus' book "Gaits of Gold" is vey informative and I recommend it. As for videos, Diane Gueck's videos really illustrate the dynamics of gait and I recommend them too. Happy smooth trails.
gaited horses
Where in Ohio are you?? There are a LOT of gaited horses in Ohio and great people willing to help you. 
