[Prince_rox]

Drifter always had a very wierd trot . We though it was because he was young (3 and a half) and he didnt really know how to yet. Today I was watching his feet to try and figure out what he was doing and then I realised he was pacing! Hahaha we where soo surprised!

Whenever he is asked to pick up a trot he paces then trots.... Can anyone help explain why a supposed to be pure appaloosa is pacing? How do you ask him to do it properly?

Thnx for all your time and help

[HJ_lilbit]

possibly not a pure app?

[Prince_rox]

Thats what where thinking now.... Does anyone know the commands for pacing?

[bluejay]

Do you have papers or was it just a "yeah he's pure" kind of a thing? If there is a chance he's not pure that would be the best explanation. Does anyone know if he could have be taught that before prince bought him? I've only seen it in certain breeds, I've never heard of a horse learning to do that, but I could be wrong.

[Prince_rox]

Originally Posted by bluejay

Do you have papers or was it just a "yeah he's pure" kind of a thing? If there is a chance he's not pure that would be the best explanation. Does anyone know if he could have be taught that before prince bought him? I've only seen it in certain breeds, I've never heard of a horse learning to do that, but I could be wrong.

No papers... When my friend bought him she was just told that he was a pure appie but shes gonna contact them tonight..

[TravelingGirl]

A pace is usually a REALLY uncomfortable gait and should not be encouraged. With walkers who tend to pace, sometimes jiggling the reins wakes them up and gets them into a "normal" gait.

[Prince_rox]

My friend finds it weird too but she thinks its "interesting" and since hes only being used for pleasure she doesnt mind it but wantsto know how to ask him to do it without always ridding it before the trot.

[bluejay]

Originally Posted by Prince_rox

My friend finds it weird too but she thinks its "interesting" and since hes only being used for pleasure she doesnt mind it but wantsto know how to ask him to do it without always ridding it before the trot.

As was said early you really shouldn't encourage this behavior. I just talked to a friend who said to question the bit/use of bit and the saddle. She doesn't know about pacing specifically, but she said that if def can cause an usual trot of the tack isn't just right. You should also ask the previous owners if he did this. If not then its most likely a sign of the tack/the way he's being ridden or possibly a problem with his feet (once again I have no idea about pacing per say but I know when my horse had feet problems he would also start with a really usual trot because of how uncomfortable he was). Sorry none of this is definate but its the best I can come up with!

[Prince_rox]

lol thanks

[sher327]

while not a normally comfortable or encouraged gait in most breeds, the pace is not the end of the world (but your bum might hurt lol)

Whenever he starts pacing tap the reins or lightly squeeze/jiggle them side to side until he comes back to a trot. Do this each time and it won't take long for him to get that it isn't a gait you want him doing