>>> As an old hunter/jumper/dressage showring rider, it took a while for me to >>> accept that this was Hunter as he came out of the box.
That's the $64,000 question, isn't it - what comes from their natural "out of the box" conformation/wiring, versus what are bad habits? I sure wish I had a crystal ball to help me separate it all sometimes! I know you're right - some horses just "need" to go a little high-headed to gait - they will even do that in the pasture, at liberty. When it's that innate, I certainly don't want to try to force them into a mold that's not right for the individual horse. But, still there are some body frames that are not so good for their long-term soundness. My "answer", based on my own limited experience, would be to encourage them to also find other gaits that are comfortable for them, discouraging them from holding the stiffer position for long periods. I think it's Hunter you've talked about before - he racks and trots, right? And walks and canters? And I think you use all of those...? That sounds like a good solution for him then - at least the best I can tell without seeing him in person. But with a horse like my Sina that easily can do several soft gaits, as well as walk/trot/canter, I'll encourage her to use some of the different soft gaits too, and I simply choose not to rack her so much. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.2/893 - Release Date: 7/9/2007 5:22 PM
