A8: The role of training and racing in horse breeding. The horse gaits, forms of movement. Flashcards
what is the main goal of training?
to create a horse that is safe for humans to handle, perform useful tasks for human benefit & is obedient.
Horse must be taught to behave in a way that will not harm/injure the handler.
what have animals been trained for in the past?
warfare, farm work, sport, transport
what are animals used for today?
Recreational/sporting activities; specialized jobs (movie stunt horses, police work & crowd control,
equine control, equine-assisted psychotherapy)
What controversy exists today with regards to training methods?
Controversy exists over training methods
Some techniques are considered cruel, others are believed to be gentler & more humane
what is the most important aspect of training?
Safety = considered to be most important aspect when training horses, due to their size & strength.
Horse must be taught to behave in a way that will not harm/injure the handler
horses are herd animals therefore….
they can learn to follow & respect a human leader
horses are prey animals, how can this effect training?
→ “Fight or flight” response
*Horses must be taught to rely on humans to determine when fear/flight is an appropriate response to new stimuli & not to act on instinct (animals must learn to trust humans)
Handling from an early age is advisable young horses are more adaptable & responsive to learning.
when is it best to start handling?
Handling from an early age is advisable young horses are more adaptable & responsive to learning.
what are the stages of training a horse?
Most horses go through a predictable series of steps before becoming a “finished” animal
1) Training of foals/young horses — getting animals used to human contact & handling.
2) Ground training — may involve getting animal used to vocal signals; strengthening muscles in
preparation for backing.
3) Backing/breaking in (saddle or harness).
4) Training for specific discipline.
what are the beats, speed, variations and pattern of walk?
4 beat gaits
~ 6.4 km/hr
LH, LF, RH, RF
what are the beats, speed and pattern of trot?
2 beat gaits
~ 13 km/hr
Diagonal pairs move synchronously & in unison
Variations of trot:
* Piaff (trotting “on the spot”)
* Passage (exaggerated trot with slow motion
what are the beats, speed, variations and pattern of canter?
Controlled, 3 beat gait
~ 16-27 km/hr (depending on length of stride)
Variation:q
* Lope; slow canter seen in western riding
what are the beats, speed and pattern of gallop?
‣ 4 beat gait
‣ LH, RH, LF, RF followed by a period of suspension
What other gaits are possible?
JUMP: Can be learned or taught.
PACE: Lateral 2 beat gait (2 legs on same side move simultaneously). Inherited recessively. Faster than trot.
what are gaited horses and give examples
gaited Horses:
◦ Possess ambling/specialized gaits.
◦ All specialized gaits are faster than a walk but usually slower than a canter.
◦ May be inheritable/able to be taught with minimal training.
◦ Missouri Fox Trotter: Fox trot → 4 beat diagonal gait.
◦ Peruvian Paso/Paso Fino: Paso → smooth, intermediate ambling gaits
◦ Five-Gaited American Saddle Bred: Rack/racking → fast, ground covering 4 beat gait. Horse “snaps” hocks and knees up quickly.
◦ Tennessee Walking Horse: Running walk → 4 beat lateral gait.
◦ Icelandic Horse: Tolt/“Flying pace”.
