Can you show dressage with a naturally gaited horse? Are you required to trot, or can you perform your horse’s natural smooth gait? I was about to find out!

First Dressage Show on a Horse that Doesn’t Trot

By Jennifer Klitzke

A beautiful fall day graced the Walker’s Triple R dressage show on September 19, 2010. Wonderful and warm people of all ages. A variety of lovely non-gaited horse breeds (and one naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse).

This was Makana’s first dressage show. It had been 16 years since I had last shown dressage with my Trakehner/Thoroughbred. I never imagined that I would return to showing dressage on a horse that doesn’t trot!

Thrilled about a dressage show so close to home, I entered my six-year-old naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse to receive feedback about our training. Since I was the only rider on a horse that didn’t trot, I had no expectations to place. I just hoped we didn’t get laughed off the show grounds! Thankfully I had cleared our flat walk in place of trot with the show manager before we arrived.

To my amazement, Makana did exceptionally well with scores of 68% and 66% in Training 1 and 4 tests. She rode relaxed and confident, took correct leads, and made smooth transitions at each letter. She scored an “8” on her free walk on a long rein and did well in her canter work.

We received deductions in the overall gait score since we did not show the trot. This is a required gait when riding the United States Dressage Federation tests. Yet we took home two second place ribbons as the only gaited horse. We rode with 13 others who rode Friesians, warmbloods, thoroughbreds, Arabians, and quarter horses.

Among the comments at the end of our first test, judge Jenny Zimmerman asked, “Is there anything your horse won’t do for you?”

I remarked, “Yes, trot!”

We laughed. She said that my horse could probably learn that too, but I think I’ll pass. After all, a smooth gait is why I bought a gaited horse.

I can’t say enough about how well organized the show was and how friendly the people were. Organizers Judy and Mike mentioned that these were among the top priorities as they planned this summer’s three shows. The facilities were well laid out with plenty of warm up area. Intro tests were held in the indoor arena and arenas were available for horses to warm up prior to classes. This made it less intimidating for horses new to showing and helped build their confidence. The scary trailer seemed to lose its power after a few practice laps.

While conversing with several people, I learned of a schooling dressage show held on Sunday, October 10 at Rocking R Ranch in Foley, MN. This show welcomes dressage for gaited horses with tests that reflect the smooth gaits.

I met several dressage riders who own gaited horses and several others who know dressage riders with gaited horses in the area. This is utterly exciting to know that there are others out there who blend dressage riding with gaited horses.

I never imaged showing dressage with a horse that doesn’t trot would connect me with such wonderful people!

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