Dressage helps the naturally gaited horse develop long striding pushing gaits and engaged carrying gaits that improve the former to form full range of motion. If you are like me, training your naturally gaited horse using humane methods appeal to you. No mechanical devices. No artificial enhancements. No pads or heavy shoes. No harsh bits. […]
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As a devoted dressage enthusiast, I have learned from many perspectives since 1988: German dressage with non-gaited horses, French dressage with gaited and non-gaited horses, and dressage as applied to the naturally gaited horse. These facets of dressage form my unique approach to developing naturally smooth gaits. My dressage journey has been influenced by many
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Does rider position effect smooth gaits? There are many ways to ride a naturally gaited horse. The video below captures moments of me and my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Makana, at ages 6-19. You’ll see a variety of riding positions and their effect on the quality of her smooth gait. Video: Rider Position and
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Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year with lots of naturally smooth gaiting fun! From all of us at Naturally Gaited Horse, Jennifer, Makana, Lady and Marvel
2023 Merry Christmas Read More »
Dressage is a transformational method of training the horse and rider. Dressage trains riders how to train their horses to improve the quality of their natural gaits whether they trot, tolt, flat walk or fox trot. Through suppling exercises, the horse develops symmetry, strength and flexibility. Dressage teaches riders how to transform an anxious and
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Improving quality smooth gaits for the naturally gaited horse requires a relaxed mind and body. Just where do you begin? This post is all about that! How Relaxation Improves Quality Smooth Gaits By Jennifer Klitzke Does Rhythm Produce Relaxation? I began riding dressage with non-gaited horses in 1988. Back then we didn’t have videos,
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Transforming a hard trot into a smooth gait using dressage. Second Chapter of Naturally Gaited: Lady In the depths of winter 2012, I received a panicked call from a friend who needed to move her grade gaited horse, Lady. When Lady arrived, she had two gaits: a walk and hard trot. Over progressive steps of
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The first chapter of Naturally Gaited Horse began in 2007 with a 3-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse filly named Makana, a Hawaiian word for ‘gift’. That’s when our “Dressage is More than Trot” journey began and continues today. First Chapter of Naturally Gaited Horse: Makana In 2007, my introduction to naturally gaited horses began with Makana,
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Yes, I rode bumpy, trotting horses for decades. I have been an avid student of dressage since 1988: taking lessons, riding and training a variety of horses. Then I learned about naturally smooth gaited horses. My aging body longed for a comfortable ride and that’s when I began my search. The breed wasn’t important as
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