Question: I've had a Missouri Fox Trotter for years and just purchased
a
two yr. old RMH/KMSH gelding. I've never had that young of a
horse before
and after I purchased the horse and took him home, I found out he didn't
like
to be brushed or have his feet picked up (kicked at me). I contacted
the
owner and he said he's just ridden him maybe a dozen times (I knew
he was
green broke), but never brushed him or picked up his feet. I've
never
purchased a horse that hadn't been handled. I heard a young horse
needs to
walk a lot to learn their gait and not to canter them until they have
their
gait down. But I keep hearing about pacing. I have no idea
what that means.
I know when I video tape him to have him certified and he's not
suppose to
pace. Since he's young, I don't want him started to pace, then
have trouble
changing him later. Can you explain (in layman's terms!) it to
me? I hear
people talk about it all the time.
Thanks!
From Panelist Laura
Camille, sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Be careful but very
firm while working on your new horse's ground manners. As far as the pace -
this is a lateral two beat gait. Watch your horse from the ground and if he
is pacing, you will see the front & rear legs on one side of the body move
forward & back together. It can be a very rough gait to ride. You may need
to find a trainer in your area to teach your horse to do a consistant, fairly
fast 4-beat gait for your certification tape. Good luck with your new horse.
