>>> For the record, I am slightly handicapped and my legs are very spastic. I >>> need a very smooth horse. The trot and most canters don't work for me. I >>> wish they did.
I haven't said anything to you on this subject, Pam, but that attitude rankles me. Your horse has feelings and isn't an ATV. If you want - or need - a smooth horse, then BUY one who's really, inherently smooth. OR take lessons and learn to ride the gaits your horse has - you might be surprised how much you can improve. (I'm speaking from personal experience. I didn't walk for a week after I broke my back, and I used a walker for weeks after that. I was a physical mess for almost two years...but lessons helped me get back riding, arguably better than ever before.) Don't try to force a horse to be something they aren't, just for your convenience. If you really love this horse, then accept what she is, and/or learn to live with the gaits that you can she can agree on - even if that means you never do anything but walk on her. I have as much of a horse addiction as anyone, but I know that I do not have a RIGHT to ride, and I certainly don't have a RIGHT to ride any horse at any gait. Riding is a privilege, and after my injury I learned to appreciate every day I can enjoy that privilege. Horses have rights too, and one of those is that they should be accepted for what they are. Besides, didn't you say that you just bought a Friesian mix? That horse isn't gaited, right? Wasn't that you who said that? Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.9/1155 - Release Date: 11/27/2007 8:30 PM
