Let's talk about forward and light for a minute. I rode a horse today (and gosh she was pretty) who I was told was forward. And yes, probably compared to what she used to be, she is. She will be a nice dressage horse and perhaps even my nice dressage horse, but more on that later.
What I am used to, however, is riding a rocket. When I get on these horses that require a squeeze, a kick or even a spur to move more forward or to the next level I think-is this really forward? If you haven't had the chance to ride a forward Paso Fino, I beg of you, find a local farm and feel what forward is all about.
These horses are light, sensitive and very very forward. Gait requires impulsion, although not mandatory for all gaited horses, it is a highly common theme. I realize that it looks strange, but if one is in your midst, ask for a ride because it is a ride you won't forget. Oh yes, don't squeeze, just think Go.
6 comments:
I'm prejudiced against Paso Finos (sorry!) so it did me good to read this post. I know that they are a smooth ride, but when I've been to shows there are two things that turn me off: 1) Why are there always these big men riding these little horses? 2) Paso Finos move like angry sewing machines to me. I'm used to the large-strided, flowing gaits of TBs and warmbloods. I'm sure they are nice horses, but I haven't acquired the taste for them.
When you get used to asking for forward motion (and the horse you were riding may not be forward -- you know what you felt), you might find that you like that level of control. I grew up riding hot horses, and when I got one that wasn't, I didn't know what to do. When I figured out that he was waiting for ME to ask, well then, I really started to have fun and hated that I had wasted so many years having to keep the brakes on.
We're all learning!
I'm sure that forward is in the eye, or feel, of the beholder. Just like everything else, we all have our own opinions about what it means.
I like the horse who waits to be asked but then doesn't need a lot of discussion. Collection and impulsion.
I'm anxious to hear more about your farm. It sounds wonderful.
So Anne-Show Paso Finos are one thing and I don't think it does the breed a lot of good. I will be posting pictures shortly of my young horse at walk/trot/canter just being a soft as possible. He will be in gait soon, but I think it will surprise you.
I am surprised by the reaction to this post, so I want to clarify two things. My horses will stand when I get on them, they go when I ask, there is very fine tuned speed control, all the things you would want, but the effort to ask is much more simplified and doesn't involve spurs or kicking. Don't get me wrong, my horses are not perfect and I often wish they would be less sensitive.
But the 'Go' button is not just in riding, it is in the heart of a horse (I think). A willingness to move forward can come in many different forms of what the forward looks like. I'm not advocating the switch to Paso Finos (although if you like the ride, I'll help you find one), the point is to see the possibilites and to stretch your mind. I think even the deadest and most lethargic horse can be taught to be more forward through proper training (and diet and ground work , etc) with a light aid. A Paso Fino is a good example of a horse who is ALWAYS interested in going forward (often to a fault), but can provide a lot of shades in a world that tends to be black and white.
Well i can't understand what is the meaning of the word forward,my i guess the word forward,means that your Horses is being active and strong, like you can use it to se ride in the field or u can use it in your work.
I have been fortunate enough to spend a good bit of time being educated by some true Paso Fino horses in the past. What you see in the "show ring" are what is known as "Fino" horses. Not my cup of tea.
Lucky for me, the majority of the Paso's I learned from were actually trained and used like a horse- they stood when asked, they stood to be mounted, they did a lovely flat walk WHEN ASKED, they could also walk, trot, and canter, along with providing an outstanding corto, largo, and the occasional troche gallope (SP?) WHEN ASKED.
Your mention of the "Go" button is right on target! They seem to love to read our minds, and provide the best ride of thier ability!
Boy all this has me missing some of my old Paso pals...
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