Question about foals

[Malda]

I’ve never breed horses and don’t have experience with foals.

There’s a registered Gypsy Vanner foal at our barn. Cute guy, just weaned last week so whatever the normal age is for that, that’s how old he is.

I was watching him in the turn-out and he was clearly pacing (as in gait). I’ve had gaited horses and I know what a pace is. He would walk, pace, “saddle gait”, trot, and canter.

I didn’t think Gypsies were gaited so I asked the trainer who was sitting near by and she said all foals pace sometimes, it’s normal.

Is it normal for all foals to pace? Pacing is when the legs on the same side move together, quite different than trotting.

Thanks!

[Scribbler]

Foals do some funky things, but I don’t think they all pace as babies.

[Highflyer1]

I’ve seen a lot of TB and WB foals and none of them paced.

[Malda]

Was talking to a TB/race horse breeder and asked him about pacing foals. He gave me an odd look and said he’s never seen a TB foal pace. I didn’t think it was normal for non-gaited breeds.

I watched the foal today as he paced and now I’m wondering if it’s a neurological issue.

I’m not saying anything to anyone, it’s not my business. I guess if I’m still there in three years I’ll see what happens when someone starts riding him.

Thanks for your answers!