How to Select a Gaited Horse

There are many Gaited horses from which to choose. These include the breeds such as Paso Finos, American Sadlebreds, and the most famous - Tennessee Walkers. Any of these horses offer a pleasant ride and are easy on the back. They are versatile and have plenty of stamina.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To get an idea of what the horses cost and what breeds are available, go to Equine.com and Hosecity.com and look at the horses available in your area.

2. Check the age of the horse, if you are an inexperienced rider you will want to buy a horse that is older and used to the inexperienced rider.

3. Ask the owner what disciplines the horse has been trained in. i.e. Has the horse been shown in the ring, has it been ridden on the trail with other horses? How does it load in a trailer? Has it been shod (had shoes)?

4. Always check the horse over to be sure that it is healthy. Have a vet check it, make sure it has had all it's shots and has a negative Coggins test.

Tips & Warnings

• Ride the horse (if possible) or have someone else ride it in front of you, to be sure it will ride safely and the way you want it to ride. Some horses have bad habits that will only show up after you have ridden it. It's gait should be smooth, the horses head should 'bob' as it travels. It's feet should move with hooves on one side moving in harmony and then the other side.
• Be careful of horses with large, knobby knees, especially if you intend to ride this horse in shows.