Flat Walk and Running Walk by a Naturally Gaited Tennessee Walking Horse 

AP Beauregard Horse thanks for the kind words

I've worked on this, too. Counter bend exercises move the shoulders to be light and if the shoulders are light, the hindquarters must be carrying more weight. Also, slow rein back to slow walk transitions, and shoulder in and haunches on a small circle at a slow walk. These exercises have helped us engage so much! I hope this helps.

Great question. Ideally, a three-beat canter is what I shoot for. However, it is common that many gaited horses tend to not have much air time and are more four beat at the canter. To develop more air time, cantering over ground poles and letting the horse hand gallop can help. Other gaited horses have a lateral canter. and tension seems to make it worse. It is possible to help break up the lateral canter by relaxing the horse’s mouth, jaw and poll which can bring relaxation to the body. Bending exercises also help. This is a process and takes time. I hope this helps.

thanks for the info! Ours goes in a bitless bridle. I've tried ground poles at the walk when trying to do the freewalk- he plods into them right now lol would you prioritize bending work over pole work, or does it matter? he's got an adorable little running walk. @@NaturallyGaitedHorse

Yes. Naturally gaited horses like the Tennessee walking horse are known for having a head nod at a flat walk and running walk.

Yep. My main lesson horses were Walkers; they like to head bob as you go along, just vibin'. Some happy snorts here and there if I was sitting correctly in the saddle and they could really move. I love Walkers. Riding a fast running walk is SO much fun!

Yes, 100% registered TWH. She was overweight and is now back to her normal weight.