gait style/judging trend

reubenT · gait style/judging trend

I've heard the talk, read some comments. That there were some paso fino horses back in the early 80's and before who were winners in performance class and who did it with quite an extended stride type of gait. Then I hear of a trend in judging where speed is penalized.
It came to my attention reciently when I heard an owner speak to his trainer who was riding in a performance class, he said "don't let him go too fast" Huh? as long as gait remains accurate what's wrong with speed? It's fun to get on down the trail, keep up with the racking horses and then some. Out here in the real world where we have miles of trails to ride and places to go, the horse with more extension to his stride is the one to have.
Perhaps I'm too much of a practical thinker for the show crowd.

loriperez

Agreed, that is so important in a good performance or pleasure horse; being able to make the transitions. BUT, you don't want to have the horse strung out either. There should be some collection at a higher rate of speed.

I agree there is nothing worse to see in a performance or pleasure class than to see a horse pinned high that can not largo. Also in the pleasure class horses pulling on the bit Crying or Very sad