How to Ride a Gaited Horse
Choose what kind of horse you want to ride., Take a few lessons., Find a horse to practice riding., Get a saddle and bridle., Find a well-fitting headstall and bit., Mount up!, Let your legs hang naturally., Sit straight up with your shoulders...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose what kind of horse you want to ride.
Be aware that there are many types of gaited horses that vary considerably.
Here are just a few of the most popular:
American Saddlebred
- known for stylish presence and gentleness Missouri Fox Trotter
- known for its stamina, useful for trail riding or ranch work Paso Fino
- varies by kind, but can be favored for shows or trail rides Tennessee Walker
- has a flashy movement, but calm disposition -
Step 2: Take a few lessons.
Once you've decided what kind of gaited horse you'd like to ride, find someone that offers lessons with the specific kind of horse you've chosen.
Taking lessons from an instructor can help you become more comfortable with your horse, safer on the trails, and a better rider in general.
Don't assume that lessons only teach show tricks., At the stables, look for a gaited horse that is gentle, already trained to carry a rider, and has been used for trails.
Pick a horse that you connect with and you won't regret it.
A happy horse won't try to throw its rider or impatiently mouth the bit at all times.
Riding should be an enjoyable experience for horse and rider. , Some gaited horses tend to have high withers so you might need to purchase a saddle with a high swell on the front.
It can be very uncomfortable for any horse to wear an improperly fitting saddle.
The ridge between the horse's shoulder blades is the withers.
Set the saddle slightly forward over the withers, then let slip it back till it seems to come to a natural stop.
Your horse should not mind wearing the saddle; if it shows discomfort, readjust the saddle., Choose gear that is the most comfortable for your individual horse.
Don't choose a bit based on breed or gait.Get advice from a professional or ask the previous owners what bit they used.
Try a few different ones till you discover what your horse prefers.
If you're taking lessons or just riding at a stable, chances are you won't need to worry about the headstall, bit, or saddle.
They'll already be chosen and the horse will be used to the equipment. , Stand next to your horse or on your mounting block and hold the reins in your left hand.
Place your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over the horse.
Gently lower yourself into the saddle.
If someone is giving you a leg-up, place your left foot into the stirrup and hold the front of the saddle, or pommel.
Pull yourself up and swing your leg over before gently lowering yourself into the saddle. , Avoid the urge to grip your horse with your legs.
This will send confusing messages to your horse.
Your legs should gently touch the horse's sides while your knees are bent and your heels are lower than your toes.If you find yourself continuing to grip the sides of the horse with your legs, check to make sure your stirrups are properly adjusted. , This will evenly distribute your weight, making it easier for your horse to carry you.
You should be able to imagine a straight line running from your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel.If you are out of alignment, your horse will find it difficult to carry you for long.
You may notice your horse becoming uncomfortable or changing his gait to accommodate you. , While your back should be straight, make sure not to arch your spine.
The curved spine will make you sit too far forward which can tire you and your horse.An arched spine can lead to overall tension.
When you're tense, your horse will become tense as well.
This can cause it to speed up or run off and make you unnecessarily tired and sore., This may seem like a strange way to begin riding, but realize that your horse will pick up on any tension or anxiety.
When you're relaxed, your horse will relax too, allowing its joints and muscles to become more flexible. , This lets your horse know that you're there.
Be sure not to pull tightly on the reins, though.
The horse will need space in order to move its head.
Use gentle hands to communicate through the reins.
Work with a bit of slack in the reins.
Your horse will pick up on the slight vibrations in the reins.If you constantly pull on your horse, it will become desensitized. , Use your pelvic muscles to suggest a direction to your horse.
Drive your pelvis forward or backward to encourage your horse in those directions.Developing these cues will take time and practice.
Keep working with your horse to create this intuitive method of instruction. , Use simple verbal cues to back up physical cues.
For example, you can encourage your horse to move and stop by saying, "walk," "whoa," or "ho." Be consistent in giving verbal directions.
You should also give positive encouragement and support when your horse follows through with a direction.
You can say, "good horse/boy/girl," or rub its neck. -
Step 3: Find a horse to practice riding.
-
Step 4: Get a saddle and bridle.
-
Step 5: Find a well-fitting headstall and bit.
-
Step 6: Mount up!
-
Step 7: Let your legs hang naturally.
-
Step 8: Sit straight up with your shoulders
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Step 9: and heels aligned.
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Step 10: Keep your back relaxed.
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Step 11: Relax.
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Step 12: Hold the reins firmly
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Step 13: but don't pull.
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Step 14: Guide the horse with your body.
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Step 15: Talk to your horse.
Detailed Guide
Be aware that there are many types of gaited horses that vary considerably.
Here are just a few of the most popular:
American Saddlebred
- known for stylish presence and gentleness Missouri Fox Trotter
- known for its stamina, useful for trail riding or ranch work Paso Fino
- varies by kind, but can be favored for shows or trail rides Tennessee Walker
- has a flashy movement, but calm disposition
Once you've decided what kind of gaited horse you'd like to ride, find someone that offers lessons with the specific kind of horse you've chosen.
Taking lessons from an instructor can help you become more comfortable with your horse, safer on the trails, and a better rider in general.
Don't assume that lessons only teach show tricks., At the stables, look for a gaited horse that is gentle, already trained to carry a rider, and has been used for trails.
Pick a horse that you connect with and you won't regret it.
A happy horse won't try to throw its rider or impatiently mouth the bit at all times.
Riding should be an enjoyable experience for horse and rider. , Some gaited horses tend to have high withers so you might need to purchase a saddle with a high swell on the front.
It can be very uncomfortable for any horse to wear an improperly fitting saddle.
The ridge between the horse's shoulder blades is the withers.
Set the saddle slightly forward over the withers, then let slip it back till it seems to come to a natural stop.
Your horse should not mind wearing the saddle; if it shows discomfort, readjust the saddle., Choose gear that is the most comfortable for your individual horse.
Don't choose a bit based on breed or gait.Get advice from a professional or ask the previous owners what bit they used.
Try a few different ones till you discover what your horse prefers.
If you're taking lessons or just riding at a stable, chances are you won't need to worry about the headstall, bit, or saddle.
They'll already be chosen and the horse will be used to the equipment. , Stand next to your horse or on your mounting block and hold the reins in your left hand.
Place your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over the horse.
Gently lower yourself into the saddle.
If someone is giving you a leg-up, place your left foot into the stirrup and hold the front of the saddle, or pommel.
Pull yourself up and swing your leg over before gently lowering yourself into the saddle. , Avoid the urge to grip your horse with your legs.
This will send confusing messages to your horse.
Your legs should gently touch the horse's sides while your knees are bent and your heels are lower than your toes.If you find yourself continuing to grip the sides of the horse with your legs, check to make sure your stirrups are properly adjusted. , This will evenly distribute your weight, making it easier for your horse to carry you.
You should be able to imagine a straight line running from your ear, shoulder, hip, and heel.If you are out of alignment, your horse will find it difficult to carry you for long.
You may notice your horse becoming uncomfortable or changing his gait to accommodate you. , While your back should be straight, make sure not to arch your spine.
The curved spine will make you sit too far forward which can tire you and your horse.An arched spine can lead to overall tension.
When you're tense, your horse will become tense as well.
This can cause it to speed up or run off and make you unnecessarily tired and sore., This may seem like a strange way to begin riding, but realize that your horse will pick up on any tension or anxiety.
When you're relaxed, your horse will relax too, allowing its joints and muscles to become more flexible. , This lets your horse know that you're there.
Be sure not to pull tightly on the reins, though.
The horse will need space in order to move its head.
Use gentle hands to communicate through the reins.
Work with a bit of slack in the reins.
Your horse will pick up on the slight vibrations in the reins.If you constantly pull on your horse, it will become desensitized. , Use your pelvic muscles to suggest a direction to your horse.
Drive your pelvis forward or backward to encourage your horse in those directions.Developing these cues will take time and practice.
Keep working with your horse to create this intuitive method of instruction. , Use simple verbal cues to back up physical cues.
For example, you can encourage your horse to move and stop by saying, "walk," "whoa," or "ho." Be consistent in giving verbal directions.
You should also give positive encouragement and support when your horse follows through with a direction.
You can say, "good horse/boy/girl," or rub its neck.
About the Author
Stephanie Bishop
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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