Breed Spotlight
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(Above is are two pictures of Wonder As I Wander, an American Saddlebred owned by MegaBucks)
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This Breed Spotlight is dedicated to the gaited horses.  By gaited I mean,
the breed either does it naturally, or is taught, a gait besides the walk, trot,
and canter.  There are many different breeds of gaited horses such as the
American Saddlebred (ASB), Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, Tennessee Walking
Horse (TWH), Standardbred, Missiouri Fox Trotter, and others.
Since there are so many gaited horses we are just going to focus on these three 
breeds: American Saddlebred, Paso (both Peruvian- and -Fino), Missouri Fox 
Trotter, Icelandic Horse/Pony and Tennessee Walking Horse.
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 - American Saddlebred (ASB) - 
About: The ASB is the most famous, and numerous
of the American Gaited horses, formerly known as the Kentucky Saddler.  
It originally evolved in the southern states of America as a practical 
all-around performer.  Now is best known as a brilliant, if artificial, show
ring horse, both under saddle and in harness.  
The History:The ASB developed from
the Narragansett Pace, work horse of the Rhode Island plantaions,
and the Canadian Pacer-both naturally gaited breeds.  After introducing
Morgan And Thoroughbred blood the breed was refined and acquired its
impressice, eye-catching appearance, speed and brilliance of movement.
The Gaits: There are two different types of American Saddlebreds, 
3-gaited and 5-gaited.  3-gaited ASB perform a high, elevated walk, 
trot, and canter.  In addition to those 3 gaits are the four-beat 
prancing "slow gait" and the breathtaking, full-speed "rack", to make 
a 5-gaited ASB.  When their hooves are trimmed normally, the Saddlebred 
can be used for pleasure and trail riding.
The Characteristics: The ASB usually stands 15-16hh, and can come in all
solid colors.  The ASB is usually used as a show horse, pleasure horse, 
saddle horse, and in harness.  Its quarters have a level croup, with a tail
set high and nicked to emphasize carriage.  Their high elevated neck is set
high into shoulders, adding to elevated carriage.  The ASB has light and 
elegant legs, w/ sloping pasterns providing a comfortable springy ride.
Their hooves are usually grown long, escpecially in the front, and are shod
with heavy shoes.  Its trunk is typical of the horse's elegant outline and is
wonderfully sprung through the ribs.  The head of a Saddlebred is finely
drawn, with neat, sharp ears, breadth between the bold eyes, a small
muzzle, and wide open nostrils.

(Above is De Lovelys Royal Dream owned by Candi.  This horse shows the natural carriage of a Saddlebred.)
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- Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) - 
About: The TWH is one of the unique
group of American gaited horses developed in the 19th century. 
Originally used as a plantation horse, the Walker is now popular in the
show ring and as a family horse.  
The History:The Walker derives from the old 
Narragansett Pacer and evolved as a mix of Standardbred, Morgan, 
Thoroughbred, and American Saddlebred.
The Gaits: The Walker has three "bounce-free" gaits: a flat walk; a
running walk, which has four beats and in which the head nods in time 
and the teeth click; and a high smooth, rocking-chair canter.  The breed
is said to be the most naturally good-tempered of all equines.
The Characteristics: Standing between 15-16hh, the TWH has a short-
coupled body white barrel having a square appearance.  The Walker
appears in all solid colors, and is used primarily as a saddle horse.

(above is Mythical Rising, owned by Ashley.)
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- Paso -
The History: The Peruvian Paso, or stepping horse, shares a common 
ancestry with the Criollo.  It is distinguished by its unique lateral gait and
a particular conformation, confirmed by selective breeding over three 
centuries or more.  The Pervuian Paso is a very tough breed.  The hindlegs 
and hind pasterns are long, and the joints are unusually flexible overall.  
These factors contribute to the comfort of the paso gait.
Characteristics: The Paso stands between 14 and 15hh.  They have great
depth in their body, allowing room for unusually large lungs.  Their chest
is broad and deep, and muscle is very well developed.  Pasos come in all solid
colors, and are primarily used as saddle horses.
The Gait: Breeding is directed at perfecting the natural gait-the 
paso.  The action incolves a vigorous, round movement of the forelegs, 
supported by powerful use of the hindlegs, the quarters being held low.
This can be kept up for long periods over rough country.

(Above is a picture of Native Delights owned by Candi)
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- Missouri Fox Trotter -
About: Thw Missouri Fox Trotter is an American gaited breed
like the TWH and ASB.  It was established in the Ozark Mountains in 
Arkansas and Missouri, about 1820, as a utility horse suited to the country 
and the needs of the settlers.  A studbook for the breed was opened in 1948.
The modern Fox Trotter is an all-around pleasure and show horse.  It is 
usually ridden in western tack.  The gaits evolved naturally, and artificial
aids are banned by the breed society.  
The History: The Early American settlers interbred Morgans, 
Thoroughbreds, and horses of the initial Spanish Barb ancesry.  They then
introduced Saddlebred and TWH blood to create a plain, compact horse of
easy temperment, that was distinguishedby a smooth, perculiarly broken
gait that could be maintained, over long distances and rough ground, 
at a regular speed of 5mph.
The Characteristics: MFTs stand between 16 and 17hh and come in all 
colors, primaily chestnut.  They are used as saddle horses.  Although their 
head is inclined to be plain, it is neat and intelligent, without coarse fleshiness, 
and has pointed and mobile ears.  Their hind legs are heavily built and muscular
and cam be engaged well under the body.  MFTs are surefooted and noted
for its excellent hooves.  Their body is wide and deep chested, with powerful
shoulders.  The Fox Trotters neck is proportionate to the shoulders; its 
adequate length contributes to a fairly low action.  A wide bridle path is often 
"roached" at the top of the neck.
The Gait: The Fox Trotters' gait is very comfortable, surefooted, and sliding.
It produces very little movement in the back.  The horse walks with spirited
action in front, while trotting with the hindlegs.  The hind hooves reach well
forward and touch down with a sliding movement.  Over short distanced the 
famous Fox Trot gait produces speeds of 10mph.

(Above is No Doubt About It owned by Amber)
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*This page was created by MegaBucks with help from Guardian Angel.  All
information has come from Eye-Witness Horses.  Please do not take this idea
or copy any information off of this page.  Thank You!*