AUGUST 2020

MONTHLY

In this issue... RIDE THE NORTHWEST MECHANICS OF GAITED LONG-DISTANCE HAULS

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BEST OF THE CANYONS HEAD TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FOR THE GUEST- RANCH VACATION OF YOUR DREAMS! HERE’S A FROM- THE-TRAIL ROUNDUP.

Discover what life is like in the West by staying at the Bar W Guest Ranch.

3 | AUGUST &Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY The entrance to the Bar W Guest Ranch near Whitefish, Montana.

ead to the Pacific Northwest for the This vacation did more than provide lawn below Spencer Mountain, and rests Hguest-ranch vacation of your dreams! relaxation and fun riding experiences. It between two pine-covered ridges alongside The beautiful states of Washington, Oregon, affected his relationship with his daughters; the 30-acre Spencer Lake. This idyllic para- Idaho, and northwest Montana offer first it drew them closer together. Summer after dise feeds both the soul and an adventure- class ranch experiences for trail riders. summer, for four years, they came out as a some spirit. Ride to outstanding vistas, brush up your family to enjoy riding, outdoor activities, A guest may choose from a myriad of horsemanship skills, and move cattle. At and Western culture. However, outdoor activities or engage in night, soak in a hot tub and enjoy a Charlie this wasn’t enough. quiet contemplation in the Russell sunset, or sit around a campfire The ranch experience gazebo by the lake. singing old cowboy tunes. was something Dave Ranch services cover Here, we’ll profile Bar W Guest Ranch, one wanted his family to a wide spectrum: de- of our favorite guest ranches, then give you a have on a regular ‘The backbone of any lightful meals, horse- rundown on seven more inviting northwest basis, and he wanted operation is only as good riding in all sorts ranches. to share his expe- as the folks running it, and of terrain, wilderness rience with others. the Bar W Ranch has some hikes, birdwatching, Bar W Guest Ranch To accomplish this mighty good hands!’ fishing and boating on This northwest Montana ranch provided us goal, Dave, his brother Spencer Lake, pho- with a ranch experience we’ll long remember. Greg, and his friend, Phil tography, swimming, The seed for the Bar W Ranch was planted Dukes, collectively pur- mountain biking, archery, when Dave Leishman, a stressed-out, chased the Bar W Ranch. skeet shooting, or serious Eastern businessman, and his two younger If location is everything, relaxing! daughters vacationed at a northwest Mon- then the Bar W Ranch has it all! The The backbone of any operation is only tana guest ranch. ranch is located in jaw-dropping, scenic as good as the folks running it, and the Bar According to Dave, it turned out to be “a northwest Montana, and is 23 miles from W Ranch has some mighty good hands! vacation for the ages.” He discovered that Glacier National Park. It’s also 3 1/2 miles Dave and Jan Leishman’s three daughters not only did he love riding, but also, he was from the town of Whitefish, rated one of are involved in the day-to-day operations, good at it. “We went up and down ridges “The Top Ten Cool Towns” by Frommer’s along with 20 other employees. Emily is in where I never imagined a horse could go,” Budget Travel. charge of housekeeping, Meghan runs the of- he said. The ranch snuggles on a velvet green fice, and Haley, the youngest, is a wrangler.→

4 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY We listened as general ranch manager beaming face. Watching her reminded us Dave Schettine gave guests a safety talk be- Ranch Guest of what owner Dave Leishman said about fore sending them off on their first morning We had the opportunity to observe interest- ranch experiences. “It’s about family. Ranch ride. He explained and demonstrated basic ing people enjoy the ranch. A family from life brings family together.” horse-and-rider communication techniques New York City came because their 7-year-old and laid down the safety rules, giving clear daughter, Ava, loves horses. Ranch Riding reasons for all of them. Other guests included a father and his While at the ranch, we rode on our own and Guests were given the opportunity to try 16-year-old son from Palo Alto, California, also went on a wrangler-led ride using Bar out their horses in the arena, ask questions, and the Great Eight, a lively group of four W horses. Andrew Mioli, our wrangler, is a and get comfortable riding before heading couples from Louisville, Kentucky. hand from Big Bear, California. out on their first trail ride. The Great Eight were admirable and Andrew guided us on a two-hour ride that

At the Bar W Ranch, you can choose to stay in a luxury tent (shown). “The Bar W Guest Ranch provided us with a ranch experience we’ll long remember,” say The ranch also offers accommodations in the main lodge, plus cabin suites. the Krones. “The ranch is located in jaw-dropping, scenic northwest Montana, and is 23 miles from Glacier National Park.”

Bar W horses are trained to neck rein amazing. These happy folks were in their went alongside Spencer Lake, then up and and are generally 10 to 15 years old. Lind- 70s and some had health issues, but their around a nearby mountain. Our ride was a say Sunderland, head wrangler, has an spirits were bright, and their laughter conta- sensory feast: chirping birds, sapphire-blue experienced staff of nine, each of whom is gious. Horseback riding at a guest ranch was sky, dense forest of pine and deciduous more than happy to accommodate riders at a bucket-list item for them. They also went trees, and fresh pine-scented air. We fol- various levels of experience. Experienced whitewater rafting during their trip. lowed along, enjoying all of it. riders can request lengthy rides in more We went on a trail ride with Stanford A wagon ride around the ranch before challenging terrain. professor Paul Skokowski and his son, dinner was an unexpected treat. Lindsay, Lindsay says she gets paid to “do what I Christopher. They’d been on a father/son the head wrangler, harnessed two draft love.” When asked about her job highlights, multi-week road trip, and the Bar W Ranch horses to a large wagon. After we all piled in, she smilingly described a lady in her mid- was the grand finale. she gave us a ranch tour, then took us to our 70s sadly bidding goodbye to her horse after The ranch gave them a glimpse of differ- dinner destination, the gazebo by the lake. a fun week of riding. ent lifestyles and an opportunity to try new “The guest had tears sliding down her activities together. We enjoyed watching the Ranch Activities cheeks,” says Lindsay. “She patted her quiet camaraderie between father and son. Dave and his family have anticipated almost horse’s neck and said, ‘Dreams really do Little Ava rode to her heart’s delight, and any ranch package a guest could wish for: a come true.’” her parents took pleasure in seeing her photography vacation, an adult only week,

5 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY a cowgirl-up experience, cowboying on the The Diamond D is an all-inclusive ranch leased nearby for summer grazing. We’ve rid- Great Divide (spring and fall), and more. that offers horseback riding, hiking, gold den near the guest ranch on the Kettle Crest. The ranch offers horsemanship clin- panning, swimming in a pool or private Talk about awesome Washington scenery! ics, pack trips, roping, barrel racing, team lake, and hot-tub soaking. After a day in You’ll feel right at home when you get penning, and children’s programs. And if the saddle, enjoy a scrumptious meal and to this ranch. Upon arrival, you’re given a there’s a ranch activity you’re interested in evening activities. ranch tour via a team of Belgian horses pull- that’s not listed, just ask. The Bar W wants to Wranglers will match you to your horse ing a wagon. Horseback riding is a primary personalize your visit. based on your experience level and the type activity at the ranch. With more than 70 Unlike many guest ranches, the Bar W of riding you desire. You’ll find the horse to horses, you’re sure to get a horse to match is open all winter. During winter months, match your abilities, whether you wish to your ability level. Lessons are also available. guests may ride horses on trails or in the stick to a slow walk or go on a fast ride. Most You can participate in the seasonal cattle indoor arena, ski at Big Mountain ski resort rides are up to 2 1/2 hours long. An all-day drives. Experience an Old West cattle drive nearby, go cross-country skiing, do some ice ride with lunch is provided once a week. by helping move the herd up into the high fishing, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the country for summer grazing and then bring perhaps try dog sledding! Diamond D can also provide you with a them down for winter calving. Be a part of multiday pack trip into the wilderness. the moving, branding, and doctoring. Pacific Northwest Ranch The ranch offers trips to the high country Long Hollow Dude Ranch. We found a Roundups or down Loon Creek to the famed Middle friendly staff and a wonderful organization Diamond D Ranch. For a real wilderness Fork of the Salmon River. This latter trip is when we visited the Long Hollow Dude experience, try the Diamond D Ranch in Ida- one that has always been on our personal Ranch near Sisters, Oregon. This is Oregon’s ho. The ranch is surrounded by one of the bucket list! last remaining ranch in the Dude Ranchers’ largest wilderness blocks in the continental K Diamond K Guest Ranch. This 1,600- Association (duderanch.org). Horseback , the Frank Church Wilderness, acre guest ranch is located near Republic, activities include a variety of rides, as well and the Salmon River Mountains. Washington. An additional 30,000 acres are as breakfast and dinner cookouts. →

The ranch rests between two pine-covered ridges alongside the 30-acre Spencer Lake. Shown is Charlene Krone aboard her gelding, Nate, at the lake.

6 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY Long Hollow Dude Ranch is situated near some of the prettiest country you can find. Several times we have ridden the Pacific Crest Trail above the ranch and in areas near the ranch. The ranch is located below the Pacific Crest Trail in perfect cattle country. In fact, the ranch remains a working ranch, producing hay, running beef cattle, and supporting a string of horses. Working with cattle is a special experi- ence at the ranch. Cattle activities include roundups, moving herds to summer range, moving cattle from one pasture to another, and the late-summer drive, when cattle are returned to the ranch for fall grazing. McGarry Ranches. At this ranch, you can really be a cowboy or cowgirl! Located in southeastern Idaho, the ranch uses state TOP: Inside one of the and federal permits to secure 55,000 acres luxury tents at the Bar for its cattle operations. W Ranch. Luxury tent Guests join the cowboy crew in such camping is known as “glamping,” a blend activities as roping, driving and doctoring of “glamorous” and cattle, mending fences, and trailing the herd “camping.” Ranch to new pastures. When there are 2,000 head services cover a wide spectrum. LEFT: of cattle to care for, the jobs and activities Cowboy boots at Long are never-ending. You’re saddled up on Hollow Dude Ranch in a good ranch horse and performing real Oregon. cowboy work. To provide personal attention, only 10 guests are allowed on the ranch each week. This isn’t a nose-to-tail operation. You may need to ride off on your own to lo- cate stray cattle or check gates. Breakfast is Meadow Ranch. Daily activities and riding This ranch has an excellent riding pro- and dinner are at the ranch house. Lunch are designed for the guest to learn and gram for children. Children ages 6 to 11 are is usually right out of your saddlebags on employ this type of horsemanship. Riders outfitted with their own horse. Kids’ trail the trail. A 75% return rate illustrates that learn and have fun at the same time. rides include instructions, lunch, and fun guests love to return time and again to the Buck Brannaman’s style is taught daily rides. There’s nothing better than riding cowboy life and renew friendships made in mini-clinics, and through working cattle horses by day and cooking s’mores over an on the ranch. and riding out in the backcountry. open fire at night to make a child happy! McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest After a full day of riding, you can enjoy fab- Guest Ranch. Locat- Ranch. In northwest Montana is McGinnis ulous meals and excellent accommodations. ed in the Idaho panhandle, this 1,100-acre Meadows, a working cattle ranch and a great Red Horse Mountain Ranch. Located in ranch is adjacent to thousands of acres of place to learn horsemanship. This is one of north Idaho, Red Horse Mountain Ranch riding terrain in the Selkirk and Cabinet the few ranches that allow you to bring you is an all-inclusive guest-ranch adventure Mountains. The ranch is about 16 miles own horse. Or, you can use one of the ranch’s featuring activities, cozy accommodations, from Sandpoint, voted “The Most Scenic fine saddle horses. and mouth-watering meals. Town in America” by Rand McNally. The ranch focuses primarily on Buck In addition to everything one would The owners of Western Pleasure can give Brannaman’s style of Natural Horsemanship expect, there are also specialty weeks at you an authentic experience in ranch life. (brannaman.com). Guests have opportuni- Red Horse Mountain, such as couples’ They’re a fifth-generation family, operating ties to enhance their riding skills and learn ranch vacations. If you’re a romantic, this the same land since 1940. how to handle cattle. is the place! The women have their own Horseback riding is the main ranch activ- The ranch owner has ridden and partici- getaway week. This is great for mothers, ity. The riding program includes morning pated in 200-plus Buck Brannaman clinics. daughters, sisters, or gals wanting a real and afternoon rides, day rides to a waterfall Buck’s expertise is alive and well at McGinn- Western escape. for swimming, a dinner ride, and moving

7 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY RESOURCE GUIDE Bar W Guest Ranch (406) 863-9099 barwguestranch.com Diamond Ranch (800) 222-1269 diamonddranch-idaho.com K Diamond K Guest Ranch (888) 345-5355 kdiamondk.com Long Hollow Dude Ranch (541) 923-1901 lhranch.com McGarry Ranches (208) 356-6531 mcgarryranches.com McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch (406) 293-5000 mmgranch.net Red Horse Mountain Ranch (888) 689-9680 redhorsemountainranch.com Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (888) 863-9066 westernpleasureranch.com

and sorting cattle. Lessons and horse games are included. Additional activities include archery, trap shooting, whitewater rafting, fishing, and even a dinner cruise on nearby Lake Pend Oreille. Sincere Western hospitality, comfortable accommodations in cabins or the main lodge, and delicious meals round out a memorable vacation at this special ranch. 

TOP-LEFT: Go on an adventure alone or take the entire family as you stroll through valleys on horseback. BOTTOM-LEFT: Wrangler Andrew Miali, overlooking the Bar W Guest Ranch. “This [at the time of our visit] was his first summer working as a wrangler for the Bar W, and he was loving it!” note the Krones.

Kent and Charlene Krone are equine photo- journalists, equestrian adventurers, and avid trail riders who travel up to eight months per year with their smooth-gaited Horses or Fox Trotters. When they’re not on the road, the Krones relax and ride on their Montana ranch.

8 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY BY JULIE GOODNIGHT, WITH HEIDI MELOCCO

THE LONG HAUL IF YOU’RE PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST LONG HAUL TO A TRAIL RIDE WITH YOUR HORSE, THEN IT’S IMPORTANT TO PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR HORSE FOR THE LONG TREK. PHOTO BY HENRYK SADURA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM HENRYK BY PHOTO

9 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY hen planning a long road trip, consid- hoofprints in the shavings when we travel access your horse’s head from a window, W er your horse, your trailer, and your long distances. How your horse feels in the you can give him water and feed on the goals once you arrive. Overall, you’ll feel trailer may impact how you dress him up. If road without offloading, shortening more prepared when you make a plan that he’s new to trailering or you feel he may lose your breaks. feels right for you. Here’s a roundup of five his balance, protect his legs with standing Here are a few more trailering tips. things to consider. wraps. I might not wrap Dually if it’s hot or • Invest in a trailer camera. I suggest that if we’re going a short distance, and I’m fairly you invest in a wireless trailer camera OBSERVE YOUR HORSE certain he’ll stand still and relax. that you can monitor from your truck’s 1. First, observe how your horse travels cab. Then you can check in on your horse in the trailer. If he’s nervous and tends to ASSESS YOUR TRAILER along the way to see how he’s doing. fidget and shake, he’ll use more energy, 2. Next, assess your trailer. The more • Go light on shavings. Add only a thin get himself hot, and need frequent breaks. comfortable it is, the longer you’ll be able layer of shavings to absorb any urine Some horses are anxious when you’re not to drive without taking a break. If you and help prevent slips and falls. If you moving, but they do okay once you’re in have a slant-load with padded sides that use too much, they’ll blow around and motion. Consider hauling with a riding your horse can lean against, he’ll be able to affect your horse’s air quality. Shavings friend. A horse will always travel better with take a break from the stress of balancing. can also become slippery, so keep them a buddy, and you’ll have driving help. If you have an open stock-type trailer, he at a minimum. When trailering a seasoned traveler like won’t have a chance to lean and may tire • Check ventilation. Make sure your trail- mine, you can drive on a bit farther than more quickly. er has adequate ventilation to support with a nervous horse. I can tell that my Think about how you’ll access your your horse’s lung health and overall horse, Dually, is comfortable in the trail- horse while on the road. Is it comfortable comfort. Make sure the roof vents are er, because he stands still. There are few for him to eat in the trailer? If you can open and that air can circulate inside the

When you haul your horse a long distance, plan when you’ll stop, where you’ll stop, and how you’ll care for your horse on the road. Here are expert tips from top clinician Julie Goodnight. PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO BY PHOTO

10 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY trailer without the windows being open Keep in mind, too, if you’ll be traveling feed and water him only when you offload. all the way. You want airflow, but you from a low altitude to a high altitude. Your Hydration is vital to your horse’s health don’t want your horse to be able to stick horse will need time to acclimate, especial- when you’re hauling a long distance. Bring his head out the window. ly if you’re going on a mountain trail ride, a few five-gallon buckets with lids so your • To tie or not to tie? There are advocates where the altitude is around 10,000 feet horse has some water from home that he’ll on both sides of this debate. I always tie above sea level. recognize and drink. my horse in the trailer, so I know where Don’t push through and drive all at You’ll also need hay from home. Your his head is. If I feel the trailer moving once, then ask your horse to carry you horse’s digestive system is designed to have and feel him moving around, I know through mountainous terrain without a food moving through his system through- that there’s something good day or two of rest out the day. He’ll tend to be healthy and wrong. I also like to at your destination. If I relaxed when he has access to feed. Howev- know that I can get were going that far and er, make sure that there’s adequate room in to my horse’s head to decided to break the trip the trailer for your horse and the hay bag. If feed and water him, if Keep in mind that into two days, I wouldn’t you stuff a full hay bag in a slant-load, there needed. I want him to you’ll need to stop offload my horse during will be little room for your horse to move. stay how I put him. each day’s haul. Along He won’t be able to relax his neck. Of course, if you tie more often if your my route, I’d stop and eat, When you haul shorter distances (less your horse, use only a horse is nervous. while making sure the than three hours), make sure your horse designed to break trailer was in a safe place. has eaten well before you start. If he gets away in an emergency. I’d open the windows, so into the trailer with a full belly, he won’t Never use a rope halter, as my horse had air, check be thinking about food for an hour or two. it may not break if your horse pulls back, on him, then sit down and rest for a half Then give your horse hay and water as soon which can lead to injury or worse. Tie your hour. I get a break and my horse gets a as you arrive. This also means he’ll have horse with enough length in the rope that break from balancing while the trailer is more room to move in the trailer without a he can relax his head, but not so long that in motion. When we stop for the day, he’ll space-limiting hay bag. he can turn his head back behind him. have a rest and get off of the trailer. With a two-day trip, I’d travel 6 1/2 hours OFFLOAD SAFELY PLAN YOUR DRIVE TIME each day. That’s a good amount of time. Op- 5. Offloading along your route may 3. More than six hours is a long trek timally, I’d travel no more than eight hours seem like a good break for your horse, but for a horse. You’ll need to decide whether a day. That allows me to arrive early at the it’s tough to find a safe place to unload and to drive straight through or stop to rest overnight accommodations I booked ahead load safely if you’re not traveling a familiar and board along the route. From my place of time. When I arrived, I’d make sure to route. Avoid offloading onto concrete or in Central Colorado, I have to trailer three take my horse on a nice leisurely walk to asphalt, where your horse can easily slip. hours just to get out of the mountains. My help his digestion and his muscles. Horses And only offload him if you know he’ll horses and I are used to a moderately long aren’t made to stand still all day, so walking load up again easily. If there’s any ques- trailer ride. can help them relax. tion about your horse’s intent to get back Plan ahead for a long trip. Schedule rest If your horse has time to rest when you onboard, wait until you reach the overnight stops, water breaks, and feeding times. arrive at your destination, he travels well, stabling facility to unload him. Don’t do Keep in mind that you’ll need to stop more and your trailer is comfortable, you could a trailer-loading training session along a often if your horse is nervous. With a 12- make it all the way through in one day. busy highway. hour trip, you’re right on the deciding line With that plan, I’d stop every two hours, If you choose to offload, make sure that between making the trip in one day or two. even if it’s only for 20 minutes. I’d open the you have as many people with you as you The decision is up to you, as you best know windows and make sure the ventilation do horses, so you have enough help manag- your horse and his needs. is OK. I’d feel his chest to see whether my ing your traveling herd. If I’m by myself, Consider what you’ll ask of your horse horse is too hot or cold, then make any I want to get there as fast as I can and when you arrive at your destination. Will necessary changes. make sure I don’t have any incidents along you be arriving the night before a big trail the way.  ride, requiring him to work hard as soon as CONSIDER FEED AND he arrives? If so, build in some downtime. 4. WATER If you’ll have a day of rest once you arrive, If your trailer allows you to access your Best known for the award-winning weekly television show that bears her name, Julie you might be able to speed through if you horse’s head, hang a hay bag and water Goodnight also presents clinics and appears have two drivers and build in some time to bucket when you stop to rest. If you can’t at expos nationwide, planning all from her stop and rest. get to your horse’s head, you’ll be able to home base near Salida, Colorado.

11 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY STORY BY DAN AADLAND

WHAT’S IN A GAIT? Our seasoned Montana horseman and breeder goes inside gait mechanics and answers horse-owners’ frequently asked questions.

Gaited horses are enjoyable to ride on the trail. Learn why they’re a common choice among avid trail riders. PHOTO BY TERRI CAGE/STOCK.ADOBE.COM BY PHOTO

12 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY Train your gaited horse to walk slowly so you can ride with friends aboard non-gaited horses and lead a pack string. PHOTO BY DAN AADLAND DAN BY PHOTO

any years ago, after a long day of push- ones that can be performed at speeds rang- hoofbeats in even time (think musical Ming cattle under Montana’s Big Sky, ing from just faster than the regular walk all quarter notes in 4/4 time), while in most of the cowboy and I reined our horses from a the way to near gallop speed. the others you’ll hear two closer together, rough back to an easy walk. Elmer looked Mostly, though, these extra gaits replace a slight pause, then the other two hitting over and asked, “Dan, have you ever ridden a the trot, and do so with four separate foot- singly. For a thorough study of gaits and gaited horse?” When I shook my head he said, falls. A four-beat gait is inherently smoother “gaitedness,” I recommend Lee Ziegler’s “You’ve got to do that sometime.” than a two-beat gait, thus, one of the major book, Easy-Gaited Horses. I’d spent much of my years reading about attractions of equines that possess this dog and horse breeds but had only a vague genetic gift. Smooth, intermediate gaits Frequently Asked Questions knowledge of that special way of moving include the flat walk, running walk, foxtrot, What’s the history of gaited breeds? Are known to Tennessee Walking Horses, Amer- amble (stepping pace), rack, and a host of they something new? Ancient cave paint- ican Saddlebreds, and others Elmer referred variations, with terminology varying by ings show horses whose foot position in- to as “single-footers.” But his enthusiasm region and culture. dicates an , a broken pace. The was contagious. The pace is a two-beat lateral gait, both Romans devised cruel hobble-like affairs Based on the many questions I get about feet on one side of the horse striking simul- in an attempt to mechanically force their the meaning of “gaited,” I suspect some con- taneously. Exactly opposite of the trot, the non-gaited animals to emulate the smooth fusion still reigns, so a review seems in order. pure pace isn’t very desirable as a saddle way of going demonstrated by gaited horses gait, though its gene is probably the mother found in countries they conquered. What is ‘Gaited’? of the various smooth, lateral gaits. Gaits Virtually all saddle horses in England The term “gaited” is a bit of a misnomer, fall along a spectrum between these two were gaited until around 1700, when im- since all horses have gaits. Virtually all can extremes: the trot, a two-beat diagonal gait proved roads made wheeled conveyances perform three of them: the walk (a four-beat at one end, and the pace, a two-beat lateral more practical. (Smooth gaits were un- gait—left front, right rear, right front, left gait at the other. necessary for horses in harness.) Chaucer rear); the trot (two beats, right front and left The foxtrot leans toward the diagonal, mentions ambling horses in The Canter- rear hitting together followed by suspen- the flat walk and running walk (sometimes bury Tales. sion, then left front and right rear); and the called “square gaits”) fall in the middle and Throughout the world, from Tibet to Ice- canter or lope (three beats—outside rear the amble, stepping pace, and a host of land to South America to the American Col- leg, followed by inside hind leg and outside other variations fall toward the lateral end onies, wherever roads were poor and saddle foreleg hitting together, then inside foreleg of the spectrum. horses were the primary transportation, striking, then suspension). In all of these, you’ll hear four distinct gaited animals ruled. Lee Ziegler identifies Simply put, a gaited horse has additional hoofbeats while riding, but in the flat walk 71 gaited breeds from across the globe! “gears,” and those most emphasized are the and running walk you’ll hear these four Common gaited breeds in the United

13 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY States include the Tennessee Walking Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Peruvian Horse, , (five-gaited type), , , and . What gives gaited horses the ability to move in this particular way? Part of it can be explained by conformation, the rest by genetics. A certain percentage of equines, including donkeys and mules, have the innate ability to perform one, or often several, of the smooth, four-beat intermediate gaits. Humans, finding the gaits desirable, have selectively bred for them, resulting in breeds in which the ability is nearly universal. Is special shoeing and training required to make a horse “gait”? No. That said, proper training can invariably improve gaits. Mechanical devices, such as heavy shoes, pads, or chains on the front feet, are show-horse affectations devised to exaggerate gait. I avoid them scrupulously. Distinguishing between the gaits can be a technical challenge, and I suspect most riders have difficulty ascertaining whether their horses are progressing down the trail in a flat walk or an amble. One rider’s Missouri Fox Trotter may be ambling instead of foxtrotting, while his companion’s Tennessee Walking Horse may be racking rather than walking. If the ride is smooth and the rider satisfied, PHOTO BY DAN AADLAND DAN BY PHOTO This mare in early training is showing a spirited running walk. who’s to say the gaits are “improper”? That said, it doesn’t take a lot of sophistication to detect that your gaited horse is trotting or pacing rather than staying in his intermediate gait. In each case, the ride will turn rougher and the rider will hear footfalls indicating a two-beat rather than four-beat gait. Often the horse will stop nodding. Most riders can learn to detect the error, slow the horse back to a walk, then find the gait they’re looking for. But gaited horses aren’t “Western” are they? Only relatively recently have “Western” horses been identified as being of a certain breed or type. The Ameri- can West featured horses of all kinds. My wife’s grandfather, Magnus Johnson, cowboyed in Montana in the 1880s and passed to his son Elmer his love for gaited horses and the knowledge that a high percentage of cow horses in the Old West were gaited. In those early years, most were gaited, and many Morgans were single-footers. One of America’s most famous horsemen, Theodore Roosevelt, traveled west to become a cowboy and rancher. His writings often refer to the single-footing ability of the cow ponies he found in the Dakotas and Montana Territory. In The Wilderness Hunter, Roosevelt wrote: “My foreman and I rode beside the wagon on our wiry, unkempt, un-shod cattle-ponies. They carried us all day at a rack, pace, single-foot, or slow lope, varied by rapid galloping when we made long circles after game; the trot, the favorite gait of eastern park-riders, is disliked by all peoples who have to do much of their lifework in the saddle.” The wide-open West required horses with endurance, horses that could travel at fairly high speed with relative comfort to the rider. Roosevelt’s two ranches were 40 miles apart, and he traveled frequently between them in the course of an afternoon. Later in the West, development of good highways and horse trailers meant arena athletes could be bred. One no longer had to ride his or her mount many miles to the roundup, the branding, or the —the horse could be trailered, instead. Endurance and smoothness of gaits became less relevant. Today, with trail riding developing as the most prominent use of saddle hors- es, smooth-gaiting ability is again prized. I’ve heard gaited horses aren’t surefooted. Is this true? This isn’t true in my experience, and I’ve crossed some of the most treacherous mountain passes in Montana with an all-gaited pack string. All of the gaited breeds were devel- oped in areas with rugged terrain, areas where road building had lagged as

14 | AUGUST Horse&Rider’s TRAIL RIDING MONTHLY civilization progressed. All were developed as backcountry trail horses. However, animals shod with long toes to enhance show gait will certainly trip more easily than if they’re properly shod for the trail. Visitors to our ranch from the South have sometimes brought gaited horses that are “pleasure shod,” but, by our standards, still too long in the toe for our mountains. We recommend local farriers to correct the problem. Also, high speed can be dangerous on rugged trails no matter what the gait. Because the smooth gaits are often deceptively fast, riders must be careful to throttle down when the terrain requires it. Sometimes riders of gaited horses enjoy their running walks or foxtrots a bit too much for the terrain. Were they riding a rough trot, they’d be more aware of their speed. If I get a gaited horse, will others be able to keep up with me? Most gaited horses can, and should be, trained to walk slowly. True, if you proceed in a run- ning walk, foxtrot, or amble your friend on a non-gaited animal will have to trot to keep up, but this is a problem of riders, not horses. If you want to keep that friend as a riding companion, you’ll ride your horse at a slower speed. In leading pack strings, slower speeds are a must, and all my horses walk slowly when required to do so. Do I need to buy special tack if I acquire a gaited horse? Not necessarily. Sad- PHOTO BY DAN AADLAND DAN BY PHOTO This mule—from a gaited jack and a Tennessee Walking Horse dles must fit whether the horse is gaited or not. Since gaited animals range from mare—shows an amble and a flat walk. knife-withered with narrow backs all the way to sausage-shaped, it’s preposter- ous to talk of “gaited horse saddles.” True, gaited horses profit from saddles that allow freedom on the forehand, but I think all breeds profit from that. Before buying a saddle for your new gaited horse, check the fit of the one you have. The same can be said for bridles and bits. Gaited horses can respond to many training methods involving various bits (and bitless) approaches. I train for an ultra-light touch, and the neck-rein is essential. For me, starting with a ring or full cheek snaffle and eventually progressing toward a mild curb, such as a grazing bit, has worked very well. For riders content to “plow rein,” riding with two hands and exerting direct rein pressure, one rein at a time, sticking with the snaffle is okay. But riders must be aware that the snaffle isn’t a gentle bit when direct pressure on both reins is applied. A mild curb, properly used, can be helpful in collecting the horse. Gaited horses tend to perform better with a certain amount of collec- tion, but so do most other horses in most other disciplines. I’ve never used a high-leverage, long shanked “walking horse bit,” and I never intend to. They’re for a syndrome of extreme /collection favored by some in the show world, unnecessary for the naturally gaited animal. Is there a downside to owning and riding a gaited horse? For me, no. Since we bought our first Tennessee Walking Horse mare in 1980, gaited horses have worked my cattle, carried my packs, trained our children, and carried me over treacherous trails, sometimes at night under the light of the stars. True, if your passion is Dan Aadland raises mountain-bred Tennes- a single-minded one—roping, see Walking Horses and gaited mules on his ranch in Montana. His most recent books are endurance, eventing—specialist In Trace of TR; The Best of All Seasons; The breeds in those areas may serve Complete Trail Horse; and 101 Trail Riding Tips. you better. In Trace of TR recently received a first-place But for trail riders looking for a Excellence in Craft Award in the book/e-book versatile horse that can be trained category from the Outdoor Writers Associa- tion of America. For information on Aadland’s to do nearly anything, then take horses, books, and clinics, visit my.montana. you home with a smile on your net/draa. face, gaited horses fill the bill.

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