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, a three-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse filly with only 20 rides on her. Makana, also known as “Gift of Freedom,” joined our small herd of barefoot, non-gaited dressage horses who are family for life. My blog, NaturallyGaited.com, was launched in 2010 to document and share Makana’s inspiring “Dressage is More than Trot” journey. What makes Naturally Gaited Horse unique is that you can witness our progress over the course of Makana’s entire life.
Makana inspired the first chapter of Naturally Gaited Horse. Much of her journey is written on NaturallyGaited.com which is a blog I launched in 2010. This Naturally Gaited Horse website was launched to better present and organize our stories about how dressage benefits the naturally gaited horse.
German Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse
Having studied German dressage from 1988 to 2013, Makana started her dressage journey with that foundation. However, in 2014, we embarked on a new path by becoming students of French dressage for the naturally gaited horse. We embraced the teachings of French Dressage Masters, the late Jean-Claude Racinet and Philippe Karl who developed the School of Legerete.
French Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse
Through the classical French dressage approach, Makana and I began exploring new exercises such as counted walk, half steps, and piaffe, which have significantly improved her balance, collection, and the quality of her flat walk and running walk. We have also had the opportunity to participate at Legerete clinics in our area, further enhancing our understanding and application.
Piaffe with a naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse.
Makana’s journey is a testament to how dressage can benefit the naturally gaited horse. I believe that by sharing our experiences, others may be inspired to explore these benefits with their naturally gaited horses and for themselves.
Accomplishments
Humane Training and Versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse
In 2015, Makana and I were honored to receive an award and grant from The United States Humane Society’s “Now, That’s a Walking Horse” program. This recognition is a testament to dressage that prioritizes the well-being of the horse. I have always focused on developing the natural gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse without the use of artificial enhancements or aggressive shoeing techniques. Makana is ridden barefoot with a mild snaffle bit, ensuring her comfort as she performs.
My dedication to the Tennessee Walking Horse extends beyond the dressage arena. I have actively shared our experiences and spread the good news about the natural abilities of this breed to both non-gaited horse owners and gaited horse enthusiasts.
From sorting cows to trail riding, endurance rides to gymnastic jumping, negotiating trail obstacles to schooling dressage shows, and even traveling to clinics to continue learning, Makana and I have explored the limitless potential of the Tennessee Walking Horse in various disciplines. And dressage is the language we take with us wherever we go and whatever we do together.
Showing Dressage on a Horse that doesn’t Trot
Our success in dressage has been a source of joy and accomplishment. From 2010 to 2016, we participated in traditional dressage shows as the sole gaited horse dressage entry among the non-gaited horses. Riding over 60 dressage tests ranging from Intro to First Levels, we rode NWHA, FOSH, and NAWD tests and showcased the fluid expression and smooth ride of the Tennessee Walking Horse in the dressage arena. Makana has always been ridden barefoot and with a mild legal dressage snaffle bit, proving that natural training methods can yield impressive results.
Our hard work and dedication have been recognized through various awards. In 2014, we earned the Training Level Champion, First Level Champion, and the Highest Score Award in the FOSH Gaited Dressage program.
The following year, we continued our success by earning the Training Level Champion and First Level Champion titles in the FOSH Gaited Dressage program, as well as the First Level Champion title in the NWHA Gaited Dressage program.
In 2016, we reached new heights by earning the Western Dressage Training Level Champion title in the FOSH Gaited Dressage program.
Learning Dressage by Attending Clinics
To further enhance our skills and knowledge, Makana and I have actively participated in dressage clinics specifically designed for gaited horses. With the guidance of renowned trainers such as Jennie Jackson, Larry Whitesell, Jennifer Bauer, Bucky Sparks, Linda Kaye Hollingsworth Jones, and Fred Kappler, we have deepened our understanding of the smooth gaits and the importance of relaxation and balance in our training.
Demonstrating Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse
Our passion for promoting the beauty and versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse has led us to serve as a demonstration team in various dressage clinics and events. At a non-gaited traditional dressage clinic, we showcased how “Dressage is More than Trot,” emphasizing how it can improve the quality of smooth gaits on cue. We even demonstrated First Level, Test Two by replacing the trot with the flat walk and running walk.
The smooth gaits of naturally gaited horses are not only eye catching but also gentle on the body, making them an ideal choice for aging dressage riders who may struggle with the traditional rising and sitting trot. I like to call it “Age-defying Dressage,” as it allows riders to apply their years of dressage training with ease and comfort.
As a gaited horse demonstration team, Makana and I have had the privilege of showcasing the Tennessee Walking Horse at western dressage and traditional dressage clinics. We have also been featured at the Minnesota Horse Expo and have traveled with various clinicians, spreading awareness and appreciation for the unique qualities of the gaited horse.
Supporting Naturally Gaited Horse Breed Shows
Our journey with the naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse has also taken us to rail class breed shows, where we have earned the 2010 Trail Pleasure Champion of the Year award. These shows have provided us with the opportunity to support and promote the humane training methods that ban practices such as Big Lick, chains, weighted shoes and pads, and harsh bits. By participating in these shows, we continue to advocate for the well-being and natural abilities of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Through our experiences and achievements, we hope to inspire others to explore the benefits of dressage for naturally gaited horses and to witness the incredible potential of this remarkable breed.
We invite you to join us on our journey by subscribing to our Naturally Gaited YouTube channel and liking our Facebook page at facebook.com/naturallygaitedhorse.
Watch: How dressage improves smooth gaits
The video below was taken with clips of Makana’s earliest moments through the age of 12.
Watch: Makana at 17 years old
Below is a clip of Makana’s flat walk at the age of 17 as we ride bareback.
Dressage and versatility for the naturally gaited horse
Watch: Tennessee Walking Horse sorting cows
Makana and I participated on several cow sorting leagues and clinics. She LOVES mooooving cows!
Watch: Starting a gaited horse over jumps
Gymnastic jumping is a great way to improve a naturally gaited horse’s canter!
Watch: Gaited horse and endurance
Makana and I participated in several novice endurance rides (10 miles).
