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Training a young colt to gait is a rewarding process, but it requires patience, consistency, and proper groundwork. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully introduce gaiting to your colt, ensuring that he’s ready and comfortable before you begin.
When to Start Gaiting: Timing Is Key
Introducing gaiting to a young colt, like our example, Two Socks, who is a 3-year-old Tennessee Walker, shouldn’t happen too soon. Before you ask your colt to gait, make sure he’s comfortable with the basics of riding and handling. If your colt can’t walk from point A to point B without being inconsistent or distracted, then it’s not yet time to begin gait training.
Key Takeaway: Ensure your colt is relaxed, responsive to your cues, and comfortable in different environments before asking him to gait.
Groundwork Before Gait Training
Before starting gaiting, solid groundwork is essential. Two Socks had already been under saddle for three weeks before we began focusing on gaiting. This was crucial in helping him become consistent and responsive. At this stage, we focus on building respect with the bridle and getting him comfortable with stops and starts.
Start by ensuring that your colt respects the bridle, maintaining steady, consistent contact without force. As you introduce stops, stay calm and keep your hands steady. This helps the colt learn to respond to the bridal and settle into a relaxed rhythm.
Tip: Use a natural horsemanship halter or a SnapAlon to help teach control while respecting your colt’s comfort.
Teaching Consistency in the Gait
Once groundwork is in place, you can begin introducing the gait. At this point, the goal is consistency, not speed. Remember, gaiting is a natural movement for many horses, including Tennessee Walkers, but it requires the right mindset.
Begin by asking your colt to walk calmly and quietly. As you guide him into the gait, avoid forcing him into position. Let him find his natural rhythm. Forcing or rushing the process can cause unnecessary tension, leading to a lack of balance and rhythm.
Key Tip: Work in a low-distraction environment to help your colt focus on your cues.
Keeping the Horse Relaxed
Relaxation is crucial in gait training. A young colt will often start pacing when he’s nervous or tense, which is different from the smooth, rhythmic gait you’re aiming for. The pacing motion involves both feet on the same side landing together, which indicates tension.
To avoid pacing, ensure your colt is relaxed and not overly worried about his environment. Groundwork and desensitization are key to ensuring that your colt remains calm and focused.
Quick Fix: If your colt starts pacing, go back to the basics and work on softening his face and getting him to drop his head slightly. This helps prevent tension in his body and allows him to find his natural gait.
The Importance of Consistent Practice
As with any training, consistency is critical. For Two Socks, after three weeks of solid groundwork, he started to gait naturally at a relaxed pace. The key is to give your colt plenty of time to adjust to the idea of gaiting and to build his confidence with each ride.
Gait training isn’t about rushing to achieve a perfect gait. It’s about allowing your colt to move naturally and finding his rhythm over time.
Remember: The goal isn’t speed; it’s comfort, relaxation, and consistency. As your colt becomes more comfortable with gaiting, you’ll gradually see his speed increase naturally.
Signs of Progress
By the time your colt begins to gait with ease, you should see several signs of progress:
- Relaxed movement without stiffness or tension.
- Ability to maintain a consistent gait.
- Softness and responsiveness to your bridal cues.
- Confidence in his movement, even when asked to turn or change direction.
Conclusion: The Key to Gaiting Success
The most important factor in teaching your colt to gait is to prep him thoroughly before asking for the gait. This means ensuring that your colt is well-broke, relaxed, and responsive. Once these fundamentals are in place, introducing the gait should be smooth and natural.
If you’ve followed these steps and your colt is still struggling with his gait, revisit his groundwork and relaxation techniques. Gaiting should never feel forced; with enough patience and practice, your colt will naturally develop his gait over time.
Happy training, and remember—start slow, be consistent, and let your colt’s natural abilities shine!
