I have a 1/2 Arab, 1/2 TWH mare that has this-A ground eating walk that
doesn't have as much overstride as a classic running walk, but sure does eat the
ground compared to a "normal" horse. She can rack (usually when she's
excited) nicely, but her trot is her "distance" gait, and it is absolutely
a wonder. It becomes a flying rack down hills. We've done 2 LDs so
far, and everyone comments on what great legs/feet she has (I haven't shod her,
as I have NEVER felt her take a single "ouchy" step, even when we're on SHARP
gravel that my friend's horse avoids-and he's GOT shoes). She actually
LOOKS like a full Arab (no TWH to her head, even) Once she stands still at
the vet checks, she has GREAT recoveries (at the end of 29 miles in 4 hours, her
CRI was 15/14 (yep, her pulse rate went DOWN on the trot out...she LIKES to be
in motion.) (Caution, shameless plug!) She's for sale! (I have
ENTIRELY too many horses! I forwarded Heidi's old email about their herd
to my hubby, and he said it STILL doesn't make him feel better about the number
we have!)
I am listening to this thread with some discouragement,
because I want another horse like my old horse: Arab with a walk that could
outdistance other horses that trotted and a downhill "scrabble" I guess, that
just flew down hills. He also had a very big trot and would bound across
the terrain.
Could be more common with gaited horses, but it certainly
exists in Arabs. My old guy is 26 and still extremely flexible,
oversteps a foot when he is just ambling along.
If I could find a gaited Arab - now that would be a dream come
true! I met a lady at DVE last year that had one. She really
enjoy the horse - said it was the most comfortable and kind horse she'd
ridden.
Does anybody know of a particular bloodline that produces gaited Arabs,
or is a freak thing?
