Ground Rails Improve Gait

gaited ground rails

By Jennifer Klitzke

On a balmy January day, Makana and I practiced our “eye” over a couple jumps and ground rails. The rails were spaced at a bounce (8 feet) and a one stride (16 feet) distance. My object was to keep my horse cantering over the ground rails without breaking stride or stopping.

In the short amount of time we’ve been dabbling with ground rails and small jumps, I’ve noticed that this work has helped my Walking Horse step deeper under her body for greater reach at a flatwalk and has improved her engagement and leap in the canter. These exercises have also helped our balance.

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2 thoughts on “Ground Rails Improve Gait”

  1. This is great information! I’ve owned 2 TWH for 3 years now and never had ridden one before owning these beauties. I have read and read, purchased dvd’s, emailed, spoken to……soooooo many people but it is extremely difficult to get precise instruction and detailed explanation. One of my mares, Eb’s Sunbeam (Miss Scarlet O’Hara) doesn’t have a great reach and I have been trying to figure out how to expand this. Everyone just says, walk…walk…walk. Ok…well that doesn’t really tell me anything. Your photo and description is fabulous and I am going to try this immediately. Her running walk is smooth as silk, I can collect her fine. Her canter varies in speed and when slow, it is that beautiful floating rocking horse canter. Thanks so much for this information.

    1. Hi Elisabeth,

      Thanks for your message. Please keep in touch so we can learn from each other. I’m still learning and trying to find helpful info too.

      Enjoy!
      Jennifer

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