Post by Z6138 on Apr 8, 2014 1:18:46 GMT
Okay, so one of the FAQ I get when people find out I have a Standardbred is how to deal with that extra gait.
Usually, I have to clarify that pacing is indeed an extra gait. Not a replacement gait. Standardbreds can absolutely walk, trot, canter, gallop AND pace. But due to their breeding, and often because of their race training, they are more inclined to pace than trot or canter, and often when they do canter, it is comparatively flatter than canters found in warmbloods, or thoroughbreds. Their movements are sometimes much more lateral and this can cause difficulty in achieve 'clear' and 'clean' gaits.
So Standardbred enthusiasts:
What have you found helps? What exercises have you used that were successful? that weren't successful?
How did you approach clarifying gaits with your Standardbred differently than you would have with an non-gaited breed?
Aaaaaaaand GO!
Usually, I have to clarify that pacing is indeed an extra gait. Not a replacement gait. Standardbreds can absolutely walk, trot, canter, gallop AND pace. But due to their breeding, and often because of their race training, they are more inclined to pace than trot or canter, and often when they do canter, it is comparatively flatter than canters found in warmbloods, or thoroughbreds. Their movements are sometimes much more lateral and this can cause difficulty in achieve 'clear' and 'clean' gaits.
So Standardbred enthusiasts:
What have you found helps? What exercises have you used that were successful? that weren't successful?
How did you approach clarifying gaits with your Standardbred differently than you would have with an non-gaited breed?
Aaaaaaaand GO!
I recommend dressage lessons. Did me wonders!