Stupid Question - Maybe..

[KSquared]

Due to broken vertebrae in my back it has been strongly recommended I never ride again. However that is really not an option for me… Someone suggested I look into a gaited horse so with my Dr. permission I am looking at getting a gaited horse sometime in the future. I have never had one before and I am curious about any special tack I may need.

I see gaited saddles all the time and I am curious, do I need a special saddle for a gaited horse, or is it just a clever marketing idea?

Also, another stupid question. Can they be taught to drive?

Sorry for the silliness… I just have never had a gaited horse or pony before.

[hank]

You do not need a special “gaited” saddle. Just one that fits the horse.
Yes, they can be taught to drive.

[KSquared]

Thanks. I appreciate the response.

[GaitedGloryRider]

Gaited horses can do any and every job a trotting horse does (although how well they do it is a subject of passionate debate for some people). But, they can do it.

Just like any other horse, they need a saddle that fits. Nothing more, nothing less.

Whenever those “but can gaited horse do…?” questions pop in your head just remind yourself they are horses, like any other, with four legs and a brain and can be trained just like the rest. They will not buck you off, raise their hoof in protest and tell you “gaited horses cannot!” If you are out doing something non-traditional with your gaited horse at most you might receive a snide comment from a non-believer.

They have an intermediate gait different from the trot. What that intermediate gait is will depend on the breed, the individual and its training. Some will have more than one intermediate gait. Some will also trot! That is all.

Most gaited saddles (western especially) are marketing gimmicks I think. A few are the real deal, designed specifically for the way a gaited horse goes but they aren’t the be-all end-all and you don’t HAVE to have one nor will they spontaneously combust if you put one on a trotting horse. And, like any other saddle, a “gaited” horse saddle needs to be fitted to the individual.

I know some purists who only ride their gaited horses in these types of saddles: http://www.hillcrestsaddlery.com/kentucky-springseat-saddle.php

They swear their horses are more comfortable and gait better in them, that they are designed specifically for the movements of a gaited horse. I’ve got a couple myself, love them, and so do my horses. For long rides I’m more comfortable in them, my horses move out nicely in them and I’ve never had one sore up my horses’ backs. However I’ve also used them on a few Quarter Horses with similar results, much more comfortable ride than a western saddle on the same horse. I attribute it to just overall being a really well-designed saddle. Sadly they are expensive and a bit of a rarity. Hard to find and even harder to find someone willing to re-flock the panels or work on them.

I hope you find yourself a good gaited horse and enjoy getting back in the saddle! Once you gaited you never go back, the saying goes :lol:

[Lady_Eboshi]

[QUOTE=GaitedGloryRider;8388541]
Gaited horses can do any and every job a trotting horse does (although how well they do it is a subject of passionate debate for some people). But, they can do it.

Just like any other horse, they need a saddle that fits. Nothing more, nothing less.

Whenever those “but can gaited horse do…?” questions pop in your head just remind yourself they are horses, like any other, with four legs and a brain and can be trained just like the rest. They will not buck you off, raise their hoof in protest and tell you “gaited horses cannot!” If you are out doing something non-traditional with your gaited horse at most you might receive a snide comment from a non-believer.

They have an intermediate gait different from the trot. What that intermediate gait is will depend on the breed, the individual and its training. Some will have more than one intermediate gait. Some will also trot! That is all.

Most gaited saddles (western especially) are marketing gimmicks I think. A few are the real deal, designed specifically for the way a gaited horse goes but they aren’t the be-all end-all and you don’t HAVE to have one nor will they spontaneously combust if you put one on a trotting horse. And, like any other saddle, a “gaited” horse saddle needs to be fitted to the individual.

I know some purists who only ride their gaited horses in these types of saddles: http://www.hillcrestsaddlery.com/kentucky-springseat-saddle.php

They swear their horses are more comfortable and gait better in them, that they are designed specifically for the movements of a gaited horse. I’ve got a couple myself, love them, and so do my horses. For long rides I’m more comfortable in them, my horses move out nicely in them and I’ve never had one sore up my horses’ backs. However I’ve also used them on a few Quarter Horses with similar results, much more comfortable ride than a western saddle on the same horse. I attribute it to just overall being a really well-designed saddle. Sadly they are expensive and a bit of a rarity. Hard to find and even harder to find someone willing to re-flock the panels or work on them.

I hope you find yourself a good gaited horse and enjoy getting back in the saddle! Once you gaited you never go back, the saying goes :lol:[/QUOTE]

I have a Hillcrest, a Minihan and a Buena Vista and they are lovely. However, the saddle my gaited horse CHOSE HIMSELF (goes in best!) is a 30-year old Stubben Imperator!

[Jackie_Cochran]

I trained and rode my Paso Fino in a Crosby Wide Front (like a PDN), and I used the same saddle when I gaited my Arabians.

I trained my part Arab to gait in a Borelli old English hunt seat saddle (before knee rolls.)

I gaited another Arabian in my ancient Stubben Siegfried.

The bits I used were full cheek snaffle (Paso Fino), Kimberwick (part-Arab), Dr. Bristol snaffle (the Arabs.)

[walkers]

Regardlesss of the breed get yourself a dead broke well trained horse. Gaited horses are just horses but as far as saddles most western saddles aren’t very good for them. They need a lot of freedom in their shoulders to stride and get the best gait. If you ride English then there isn’t any issue. Also endurance saddles are nice only they may be to long as many gaited horses are short backed . as everyone says get a saddle that fits and is free in the shoulders.
For your safety don’t get a big horse or a spooky horse. You really need to minimize the chances of falling.
MFT can be more quiet than some TWH but often not as smooth. A paso can be great but to small for me to enjoy.
Good Luck and I do know several people who ride and some even jump with fused backs. Enjoy

[GallopHer]

I am new to the Kentucky Mountain and Rocky Mountain Saddle horses. I’ve ridden TWHs for years. Though every horse is different, I’ve found the mountain horses to be a bit more calm than the TWHs. Just my two cents…

[Palm_Beach]

Lots of good comments ^^^. Agree the saddle needs to fit, no matter what the brand. I think some gaited horses need a tree that really gives them freedom through the shoulders.

I have little experience with gaited horses, but ride with some people who ride gaited horses. The ones I am familiar with are smaller and shorter backed than some other breeds, and the Western saddles seem to be a bit long for their backs. A couple of the people I ride with are in their 70s and have some physical issues. They prefer the endurance saddles with the comfort stirrups. The endurance saddles are shorter in spine length, so the smaller horses are fine with them.

Good luck with your saddle search!

[littlebaypony]

As far as driving goes; many show TWH are started in harness when they are about 18 months old. Trainers say it is to start the rear end muscle development needed to ‘hit a lick’. Hitting a lick means striding out at a strong gait; not the same as big lick which requires built up shoes, chains, etc. Big lick horses are also trained to drive at a young age, same reason.
Please keep in mind that show TWH are judged only in an arena and only on the long sides so they don’t always have the best steering or exposure to trail scenery. The injustices done to create big lick horses has created a stoic horse of exception pain tolerance. If a walker shows even the slightest signs of pain call your vet! On the other hand, treated with kindness and respect they are kind, tolerant, easily retrained, level headed horses that make incredible trail horses. Don’t own one myself but live in walking horse territory and admire the breed. Also keep in mind that a walking horse flat walks faster than most other horses so trail riding with non-gaited horses is sometimes a challenge.
Try a TWH, they are wonderful!

[BuckarooBob]

I know I’m late in this thread but wanted to get my 2 cents in. My wife and I have both been in your situation, hers was a L1 fracture from being thrown from her horse and mine was a crushed L1 from lifting a shovelful of gravel (I have osteoporosis); she still rides and we both handle horses everyday. The gaited horse could be a great idea, particularly if you still experience pain but are determined to ride anyway. In my opinion specialty 'gaited horse ’ saddles are as you said, a marketing tool. The basic rules always apply: the tree needs to fit the horses back (no matter what breed) every one is an individual, the seat needs to be comfortable for the rider and it needs to facilitate the work you’re trying to do. Does it put you in a position that is comfortable for your condition? can you lift it? do you feel secure in the seat? As for a bridle, treat a gaited horse like any other- it’s hard to beat a good quality snaffle. A well designed breast collar is always required (it’ll keep the saddle on the horse and in correct position. As for driving, yes, gaited horses can certainly be taught to drive ; if that’s a comfort issue for you it may be a good idea but bare in mind, driving is every bit as dangerous as riding. Good luck, Bob.