Can Morgans be gaited?

Larwoodgal · 11-02-2009, 06:44 AM

A little while ago I introduced my new horse, Handy. Well, I've started riding her, just W/T, and she's willing, but I've run into something new (for me).

I had been told that she rides very smooth, but there was no mention of gaiting. Also, I'm no expert on gaiting. She does have a trot that is *very* easy to sit, but it is a quick, smooth, shuffle. No biggie, you say?

Well, I ride English and that shuffle is darn hard to post to

!

And I'm a little concerned that she may just not be up to trotting yet and what we have is a defensive shuffle. See my thread in Meet the Horses and you'll see her conformation really shows the TB side of her, but no TB in my experience showed me that kinda shuffle.

Mav2007 · 11-02-2009, 06:47 AM

Yes, Morgans can be naturally gaited.

I have a morgan/QH with a very nice trot also.

CowhorseGal · 11-02-2009, 06:59 AM

Anyway for us to see a video of her doing this shuffle/gait?

Jen&Jack · 11-02-2009, 09:07 AM

There are farms that specifically breed gaited Morgans, my geldings mother was one. It pops up a lot more than people realize. They CAN trot, but for some gaiting is easier and if she was trained to gait it will be darn hard to get her out of it. We don't accept a trot, so they get to where it's not even an option. I can imagine you are having a hard time posting if she is gaiting,lol, it's a completely different movement. I would also like to see a video.

dunamovin · 11-02-2009, 09:17 AM

Justin Morgan was known for his trotting ability so it is in the breed. Are you sure he isn't trying to pace? Young Standardbred pacers act like this before they figure out how to pace. That's why they wear hobbles to race.

Larwoodgal · 11-02-2009, 09:26 AM

Thanks to everyone, it seems the mystery may be solved. Sorry, no video here, I live in dialup land and uploading would kill me. I think Handy is the way she is. The movement was very contained, not like a pace. Also, Handy is 11 years old and new to me, so we are still exploring each other and getting her condition up.

No doubt you'll be hearing from us again.....

On another note, it's the first day of deer hunting here. If I can persuade the two girls into the round pen, I'll get some pics of their blaze red fashion accessories for the season.

theoldbear · 11-02-2009, 10:49 AM

Getting on this thread late, but wanted to add that there is a gaited Morgan website, and registry, I believe.

The "modern" Morgan has some Saddlebred thrown in, and they can be gaited.

Last Chance, a famous TWH stallion of many years ago, had a Morgan registration number beginning with an X, and was advertised at stud to Morgan mares. and he, of course was gaited.

One of the best gaited mares I've ever been around was a roan MoArab, who racked up a storm.

I rode a palomino TWH/Morgan cross several years ago that was as smooth as silk. His "mama", the registered TWH didn't gait!

I've never seen a gaited Morgan or Morgan cross that paced! Trot at liberty, gait under saddle, and occassionally in the pasture.

A lot of the old time Appaloosas had a Morgan influence through the US Cavallry Remount program, and I wonder if the "indian shuffle" came from the spotted mares or the Army stallions.

We forget that in the early days of any breed or registry, there had to be other stock crossed in. And there are lines like the Copperbottoms, Hals, and Narragansett Pacers that are extinct, and obscure, that are a part of several modern breeds.

David · 11-02-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoldbear

Getting on this thread late, but wanted to add that there is a gaited Morgan website, and registry, I believe.

The "modern" Morgan has some Saddlebred thrown in, and they can be gaited.

Last Chance, a famous TWH stallion of many years ago, had a Morgan registration number beginning with an X, and was advertised at stud to Morgan mares. and he, of course was gaited.

One of the best gaited mares I've ever been around was a roan MoArab, who racked up a storm.

I rode a palomino TWH/Morgan cross several years ago that was as smooth as silk. His "mama", the registered TWH didn't gait!

I've never seen a gaited Morgan or Morgan cross that paced! Trot at liberty, gait under saddle, and occassionally in the pasture.

A lot of the old time Appaloosas had a Morgan influence through the US Cavallry Remount program, and I wonder if the "indian shuffle" came from the spotted mares or the Army stallions.

We forget that in the early days of any breed or registry, there had to be other stock crossed in. And there are lines like the Copperbottoms, Hals, and Narragansett Pacers that are extinct, and obscure, that are a part of several modern breeds.

Stop your wondering, that shuffle came from the spotted mares. It was a desired trait that was selectively bred for by the Nez Peirce. In fact it was ( and sometimes still is ) refered to as an "Indian Shuffle" as well as "Appaloosa Shuffle".

David

EquineAlberta · 11-02-2009, 01:15 PM

My mostly morgan cross gaits and is extremely smooth too....so much that it is hard to post...BUT, if you work him into a dressage type frame and his back come up, he trots out "normally" and gets the pop to his trot. He got very good comments for his trot at the dressage show we took him too. Might be the same thing with your horse. One thing I find important for my guy, is that students DO post, or two point, to let him warmup with a looser back, otherwise it is harder to convince him to use his back later in the ride.

Karen

Larwoodgal · 11-02-2009, 05:04 PM

Well, I'm getting more info than I thought I would. Thanks, Old Bear (I'm older than you) and Equine Alberta. It's true that I haven't seen this at liberty or working unridden in the round pen, but now I'm going to look closer. And EqA, thanks for the dressage info. I will talk to my coach (she's not big on gaited but is a Warmblood dressage lady) and work on strategies to strengthen my seat and legs and get a strong trot out of the girl. I think the girl already has a strong personality; she's been through a lot this past year and still retains her spunk.

morgan · 11-04-2009, 10:23 PM

Many Morgan are gaited. some of our will rack if excited and our mare does a running walk on the trail [like the Indian shuffle]. She does trot though. Push her thru the shuffle into a trot. All Morgans have a trot somewhere.

visionquest · 11-10-2009, 07:19 PM

The old blood lines of the Morgan produced many gaited horses. The Standardbred was one of the breeds crossed to produce the Morgan. I like to call the gait more like a singlefoot or amble. Definately look up the website for gaited Morgans and learn more!!!

morgan · 11-10-2009, 09:01 PM

Morgans were the first American Breed. They were the Colonists horses. All Morgans trace back to one horse Justin Morgan. Justin Morgan was said to be a cross of Arabian and native stock. Morgans were used for all types of work including harness racing. Most of the old Currier & Ives prints were of Morgans. Ethan Allen and Black Hawk were a Morgans. Morgans were crossed with native stock and TBs to produce the Standardbred. Morgans were also used to develope the Saddlebred. Many Saddlebreds have Morgan Anscestry. In the late 1800's and early 1900's the Morgan were bred by the US Goverment for the Calvary. Morgan Stallions were given and loaned to Ranchers to upgrade the stock they were breeding for the Remount program. Many ranch horses were bred from these crosses on TB and Feral mares.
Morgans were gaited at one time and many still are. Some do a running walk and others even rack.

michlar · 11-16-2009, 05:38 PM

Aha! I am not insane afterall. I thought my friend's morgan mare, who is gorgeous by the way, was showing some pretty special moves. I figured she looked "gaited". The way she picks up her feet looked like racking that I had seen before. The one trainer told me no way but I was pretty sure I saw it. I feel better now. And that background on the Morgan was very interesting to read.

michlar · 11-16-2009, 05:39 PM

sorry computer glitch and a double post

Horselady44 · 11-17-2009, 01:21 AM

I was going to just give my 2 cent...but it looks like it all has been covered

Gotta love HT!

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11-02-2009, 06:44 AM
Larwoodgal Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tweed, Ontario Posts: 76	Can Morgans be gaited? A little while ago I introduced my new horse, Handy. Well, I've started riding her, just W/T, and she's willing, but I've run into something new (for me). I had been told that she rides very smooth, but there was no mention of gaiting. Also, I'm no expert on gaiting. She does have a trot that is very easy to sit, but it is a quick, smooth, shuffle. No biggie, you say? Well, I ride English and that shuffle is darn hard to post to! And I'm a little concerned that she may just not be up to trotting yet and what we have is a defensive shuffle. See my thread in Meet the Horses and you'll see her conformation really shows the TB side of her, but no TB in my experience showed me that kinda shuffle.

11-02-2009, 06:47 AM
Mav2007 Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,677	Yes, Morgans can be naturally gaited. I have a morgan/QH with a very nice trot also. __________________ Last edited by Mav2007 : 11-02-2009 at 06:51 AM.

11-02-2009, 06:59 AM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,048	Anyway for us to see a video of her doing this shuffle/gait? __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/

11-02-2009, 09:07 AM
Jen&Jack Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 152	There are farms that specifically breed gaited Morgans, my geldings mother was one. It pops up a lot more than people realize. They CAN trot, but for some gaiting is easier and if she was trained to gait it will be darn hard to get her out of it. We don't accept a trot, so they get to where it's not even an option. I can imagine you are having a hard time posting if she is gaiting,lol, it's a completely different movement. I would also like to see a video.

11-02-2009, 09:17 AM
dunamovin Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: where the blacktop ends Posts: 189	Justin Morgan was known for his trotting ability so it is in the breed. Are you sure he isn't trying to pace? Young Standardbred pacers act like this before they figure out how to pace. That's why they wear hobbles to race.

11-02-2009, 09:26 AM
Larwoodgal Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tweed, Ontario Posts: 76	Thanks to everyone, it seems the mystery may be solved. Sorry, no video here, I live in dialup land and uploading would kill me. I think Handy is the way she is. The movement was very contained, not like a pace. Also, Handy is 11 years old and new to me, so we are still exploring each other and getting her condition up. No doubt you'll be hearing from us again..... On another note, it's the first day of deer hunting here. If I can persuade the two girls into the round pen, I'll get some pics of their blaze red fashion accessories for the season.

11-02-2009, 10:49 AM
theoldbear Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Arcadia, Florida Posts: 772	Getting on this thread late, but wanted to add that there is a gaited Morgan website, and registry, I believe. The "modern" Morgan has some Saddlebred thrown in, and they can be gaited. Last Chance, a famous TWH stallion of many years ago, had a Morgan registration number beginning with an X, and was advertised at stud to Morgan mares. and he, of course was gaited. One of the best gaited mares I've ever been around was a roan MoArab, who racked up a storm. I rode a palomino TWH/Morgan cross several years ago that was as smooth as silk. His "mama", the registered TWH didn't gait! I've never seen a gaited Morgan or Morgan cross that paced! Trot at liberty, gait under saddle, and occassionally in the pasture. A lot of the old time Appaloosas had a Morgan influence through the US Cavallry Remount program, and I wonder if the "indian shuffle" came from the spotted mares or the Army stallions. We forget that in the early days of any breed or registry, there had to be other stock crossed in. And there are lines like the Copperbottoms, Hals, and Narragansett Pacers that are extinct, and obscure, that are a part of several modern breeds.

11-02-2009, 01:15 PM
EquineAlberta Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,013	My mostly morgan cross gaits and is extremely smooth too....so much that it is hard to post...BUT, if you work him into a dressage type frame and his back come up, he trots out "normally" and gets the pop to his trot. He got very good comments for his trot at the dressage show we took him too. Might be the same thing with your horse. One thing I find important for my guy, is that students DO post, or two point, to let him warmup with a looser back, otherwise it is harder to convince him to use his back later in the ride. Karen __________________ New Hillside Website The Art of Praise

11-02-2009, 05:04 PM
Larwoodgal Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tweed, Ontario Posts: 76	Well, I'm getting more info than I thought I would. Thanks, Old Bear (I'm older than you) and Equine Alberta. It's true that I haven't seen this at liberty or working unridden in the round pen, but now I'm going to look closer. And EqA, thanks for the dressage info. I will talk to my coach (she's not big on gaited but is a Warmblood dressage lady) and work on strategies to strengthen my seat and legs and get a strong trot out of the girl. I think the girl already has a strong personality; she's been through a lot this past year and still retains her spunk.

11-04-2009, 10:23 PM
morgan Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 444	Many Morgan are gaited. some of our will rack if excited and our mare does a running walk on the trail [like the Indian shuffle]. She does trot though. Push her thru the shuffle into a trot. All Morgans have a trot somewhere.

11-16-2009, 05:39 PM
michlar Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: saskatchewan Posts: 614	sorry computer glitch and a double post __________________ The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb Happy to follow Dutchess to the end of the world and back! Last edited by michlar : 11-16-2009 at 05:40 PM. Reason: double post

11-10-2009, 07:19 PM
visionquest Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Harrodsburg, KY Posts: 464	The old blood lines of the Morgan produced many gaited horses. The Standardbred was one of the breeds crossed to produce the Morgan. I like to call the gait more like a singlefoot or amble. Definately look up the website for gaited Morgans and learn more!!!

11-10-2009, 09:01 PM
morgan Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 444	Morgans were the first American Breed. They were the Colonists horses. All Morgans trace back to one horse Justin Morgan. Justin Morgan was said to be a cross of Arabian and native stock. Morgans were used for all types of work including harness racing. Most of the old Currier & Ives prints were of Morgans. Ethan Allen and Black Hawk were a Morgans. Morgans were crossed with native stock and TBs to produce the Standardbred. Morgans were also used to develope the Saddlebred. Many Saddlebreds have Morgan Anscestry. In the late 1800's and early 1900's the Morgan were bred by the US Goverment for the Calvary. Morgan Stallions were given and loaned to Ranchers to upgrade the stock they were breeding for the Remount program. Many ranch horses were bred from these crosses on TB and Feral mares. Morgans were gaited at one time and many still are. Some do a running walk and others even rack.

11-16-2009, 05:38 PM
michlar Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: saskatchewan Posts: 614	Aha! I am not insane afterall. I thought my friend's morgan mare, who is gorgeous by the way, was showing some pretty special moves. I figured she looked "gaited". The way she picks up her feet looked like racking that I had seen before. The one trainer told me no way but I was pretty sure I saw it. I feel better now. And that background on the Morgan was very interesting to read. __________________ The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb Happy to follow Dutchess to the end of the world and back!

11-17-2009, 01:21 AM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,437	I was going to just give my 2 cent...but it looks like it all has been covered Gotta love HT! __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!