>>>> I watched this video over and over. I sort of wanted to think the horse >>>> was lame. The rider is coming up off his back and his head is really >>>> bobbing, but not in a nice rhythmic way. It's either resistance or >>>> discomfort. Or maybe every time she bounces, it hurts his back and he >>>> bobs >>>> his head.
I think you're onto something. Normally, when I see that much head action in a gaited horse, I first think of the bit or a pinching saddle, but since he was ridden bareback and with no bit, that can't be it. It wasn't a "head nod" that is a good thing with running walk or foxtrot - as you noted, it wasn't rhythmic. It's like what I saw in his feet wasn't the same story I saw in the rider's bouncing and in his head/body language. Maybe he's just really green, multigaited and is simply shifting gaits trying to find his balance...? It's nice to see a horse so naturally gaited, but I'd like to know more about what's going on. If he's really young and just under saddle, maybe it's not a big deal, but it sure left me with questions. If he IS that green and still finding his balance, I'd like to see more plain old regular walk before asking for gait. Karen Thomas, NC
