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Discussion on Tightrope walker
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Member:
Canderso
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2006 - 4:27 pm:
A friend is considering buying a horse that is roughly 6 years old, was started at 4 but has not been ridden since.
When my friend rode the horse the other day, we noticed that the horse tightrope walks (also called lacing, plaiting, line walking... bottom line, the front legs land directly in front of each other). This happens only at the walk, front legs only and improves when rider backs off on contact.
I don't know for sure if the horse is base narrow - he probably is a bit.
Our general feeling was that this was probably more a strength issue than anything, but it was an odd reaction.
She asked what this meant in terms of the horse's ability to stay sound and to work. I doubt she would ask much more than walk/trot/canter with some lateral work and limited jumping.
Any thoughts out there?
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Member:
Liliana
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2006 - 7:30 pm:
I would think that it could be that the horse is learning to balance with a rider on his back
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New Member:
mulelvr
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Posted on Friday, Sep 12, 2008 - 11:57 am:
I would be curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this. I just looked at a nice, well broke, 9 yo Peppy San Badger gelding for my daughter that did the same thing. He seemed to really know where his feet were and move well, but he did this same cross over thing and was a little heavy in the front. We would just be looking to use him for drill team, 4H, other youth stuff. Should I be concerned? Could this cause any health or soundness issues down the road? Does this cross stepping put any strain on ligaments or hooves, etc.?
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Saturday, Sep 13, 2008 - 10:23 am:
Hi Christy,
You'll get more replies if you start a new thread on the topic of this gelding (and describe exactly how he moves).
Personally I would be concerned about the agility and maneuverability of a horse that moved naturally this way. I also would worry that the conformation that pre-disposed him to this movement might not hold up under work. Depends on the horse and the planned use.
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