[QUOTE=Guilherme;7682936]
In any program to address the pace you must take a look at the feet to start. Ensure that the horse is trimmed to anatomical correctness not some arbitrary “gaited horse” trim. If shod, ensure the shoes are standard items like St. Croix Eventers or the like.
Weights are “action devices.” An “action device” is not a training device, it’s an “anti-training device.” When you use a device (bit, rein, crop, spur, seat, etc.) you apply pressure to the horse to elicit some response. When you get the response you release the pressure and note whether or not the horse continues to give you the response you want. If it does then all’s right with the world. If it doesn’t you reapply the pressure and try again. In most instances the horse will learn from this technique and you will have achieved some training goal.
The “action device” does the first part (apply pressure to achieve some movement) but when the movement is achieved it continues to apply the pressure. It is always “on” as long as the horse is moving. The horse gets no positive feedback from compliance. If you remove the device the pressure is “off” and if the horse does not continue the movement (and in my experience with multiple Walkers they don’t) then there is no “penalty.” This is mirror opposite of what you want if you want to “train” something into the horse.
IME it is myth and legend that “action devices” of any kind “train” a horse. If it were so you’d never see stacks, chains, bangles, beads, heavy shoes, etc. on a show horse. They would have done the “training” at home. But you do see these things (and not just in Walkers). That you see them in national show venues is proof that if you take them off they don’t work anymore.
One good way to break up a pace is to work with lower level dressage movements. Putting the horse on the bit is step one. You take the horse to the bit with your leg and seat, you don’t bring the bit to the horse with your hand!!! This will allow a measure of collection, but not so much as to induce a trot. It will also engage the back end (lots of pacers are strung out with the back and front ends moving “independently”). It will allow you to balance the horse. Shoulder in and out, side passing, half halting to maintain balance all will help the pacing horse use it’s muscles in new ways to bring the gait to the center. Work at the canter is also a good idea, as the canter is a three beat gait and that will help break up the four beat pace.
This type of program will take time, as in several months of serious effort on your part (vice the immediate change from an action device; you see why “quick fix” people like them). First you must build the strength, fitness, and endurance in the horse to perform as you want it to. Second these will be new concepts for the horse and may require a lot more effort than they are used to expending. Resistance is likely. You’ll have to ride through some “I don’t want to and you can’t make me” moments.
There’s quick, easy, and temporary or long, challenging, and permanent. Take your pick.
G.[/QUOTE]
THIS, 100%^ To update the earlier thread on the same subject, what you describe above is EXACTLY what’s working for my guy. Shoulder-in and circle work in particular is teaching him to really engage, along with canter departs uphill. We’re making great progress! 
Thank you.
