Ridecamp: Re: [RC] FW: [RC] Canter vs extended trot

>I am extremely interested in long-timers input on this subject since I'm a
newbie on a young horse and I'm "trotter". I was taught that the trot is the
safest and most balanced gait since two feet hit the ground together. I was
also taught that this minimizes concussion to feet and joints since the
impact is divided between two legs instead of one. At two stages of the
canter, all of the weight is on one leg. Someone explain to me how that is
less than all the weight divided between two legs.

You do have a valid point that the trot is the safest in tricky or trappy
terrain.  It takes a very seasoned and balanced horse to canter through
irregular footing, although a truly athletic one can often do it.

As to concussion--it all depends on the horse and how he lands.  I agree
that a horse that trots well has less concussion because of the balance of
the gait, but if the horse has a really "round" trot (OR canter for that
matter), he will have a lot of concussion.  In most cases, the horses who
are really concussive are concussive at both gaits.  It's been my
observation that the horses with big "parky" trots are much more concussive,
unless they have a more level gait that they can use as well.  High knee
action is not conducive to easy gaits.

Heidi


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