Question: My just turned 2 y.o., 15.2H and still growing, TWH (now gelding)
has just come home from basic training. He is doing a racking gait,
which I love, and know it will get better with age and maturity.
Is there anything I can do to get more front end lift without adding heavy
shoes? The trainer had that type of shoe on him, but they caused
him to stumble some, and I really didn't think it was good for his growing
joints and bones. He was keg shod all the way around last week, went
on his first overnight camping trip and did great. I don't want to
push him at all; I just want to be working toward the goal of higher front
end lift over the next year. Thanks so much for any insight into
the proper training technique.
From Panelists Nancy
Without going to artificial gimmicks (or worse) methods, the only way
you can get higher front end action is through more collection and impulsion
- and then, just as with any other animal (or people, for that matter),
every horse will have his own way of moving and limits for high action.
Some might step higher than others. But to obtain higher leg action
through correct collection is difficult and rare. I would advise
you to be very happy with your wonderful 2 year old as he is. He
sounds like a great little 2 year old! Also, if you want to trail
ride him, you don't want him wasting energy with high leg action.
I would guess that the action he already has is very nice.
Nancy Cade
