All posts by Jennifer Klitzke

Naturally gaited duo receives US Humane Society Award

2015-gaited-dressage-jennfer-klitzke-gift-of-freedom
Naturally gaited TWH dressage duo, Jennfer Klitzke and TWH Gift of Freedom, received an award and grant from The United States Humane Society “Now, That’s a Walking Horse” Program recognizing correct training of horse and rider without the use of artificial enhancements or aggressive shoeing techniques while focusing on the gymnastic development as a way to improve and establish the gaits of the Walking horse and through volunteer efforts to “spread the word” by sharing the good news about the natural Walking horse to the trotting as well as to gaited enthusiasts who have seen the limitless potential in the breed in new ways.

Naturally gaited dressage duo receives US Humane Society Award

By Jennifer Klitzke

Exciting news arrived in the mail! I received a letter from The Humane Society of the United States announcing that my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse Gift of Freedom (Makana) and I have received an award and grant from The Humane Society of the United States “Now, That’s a Walking Horse” (NTAWH) program.

Cheryl Jacobson, Deputy Director,  Equine Protection of The Humane Society of the United States writes:

“Your application showcases the sort of approach to training of Tennessee Walking Horses that the NTAWH program hopes to promote. This includes correct training of horse and rider without the use of artificial enhancements or aggressive shoeing techniques while focusing on the gymnastic development as a way to improve and establish the gaits of the Walking horse.”

“We are further impressed by your volunteer efforts to “spread the word.” The best promotion for the breed is a good example. It is clear that you have provided that, sharing the good news about the natural Walking horse to the trotting as well as to gaited enthusiasts who have seen the limitless potential in the breed in new ways because of your efforts.”

A couple years ago The Humane Society of the United States began to offer an award program called “Now, That’s a Walking Horse” which recognizes individuals who demonstrate natural and humane ways of training their Tennessee Walking Horses(s). This year, I pulled the material together and applied for this recognition award and grant.


2 year old Tennessee walking horse
Gift of Freedom as a frolicking two-year-old filly.

History
I’ve been an avid dressage rider since 1988 with trotting horses and on Valentine’s Day 2007, my husband caved in a moment of weakness and said “yes” to one more horse. I purchased my first naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Gift of Freedom (Makana), just before she turned three years old. She had been selectively bred by a private family farm, imprinted and raised, and had 20 rides on her. Initially I was struck by her black beauty, and then her friendly “meet me at the fence” personality stole my heart.

I had no intentions of showing my Tennessee Walking Horse—especially dressage—because everyone told me dressage is only for horses that trot.

I had no intentions of showing my Tennessee Walking Horse—especially dressage—because everyone told me dressage was only for horses that trot. I just wanted a smooth horse to ride that would be easier on my aging body. However, since dressage had been the only riding style I had studied, that’s what became our training language.

TWH 3-gait Trail Pleasure Rail Class
Jennifer Klitzke riding Gift of Freedom at a TWH breed show in the 3-gait Trail Pleasure Rail Class

Later on I joined a local Tennessee Walking Horse association. They pleaded with members to show at the county fair for fear that classes would be cancelled due to a low number of entries. So being a good sport, I took my then four-year-old TWH mare to her first rail class show. To my amazement, Makana came alive in the show ring. We had so much fun I showed her at TWH rail classes for three years where she earned Trail Pleasure Champion in 2010 with the Minnesota Walking Horse Association. Makana has always been ridden and shown barefoot and in a mild snaffle bit or Imus Comfort Gait Bit.

versatility of the naturally gaited horse
encountering the moose obstacle
Jennifer Klitzke riding naturally gaited TWH Gift of Freedom at a Gaited Trail Trial encountering the moose obstacle.

Versatility
In addition to showing Makana in Trail Pleasure rail classes at Tennessee Walking Horse breed shows, we had been a TWH demonstration horse/rider team for the Minnesota Horse Expo, gaited dressage demonstration team for a traditional dressage Ride-A-Test clinic, and a gaited western dressage demonstration team for a Western Dressage clinic. We have competed at a gaited trail trial, an orienteering race, novice endurance races, team penning and cow sorting leagues, ridden hunter over rails courses, lots of trail riding, gymnastic jumping and gaited dressage.

Video: Minnesota State Fair TWH Stakes Class
(the only barefoot horse competing in the class)

Video: Minnesota Horse Expo TWH Demonstration Team

Video: Gaited Dressage Demonstration
at a Traditional Dressage Ride-A-Test Clinic

Video: Endurance Riding with a Gaited Horse

Video: Sorting Cows with a Gaited Horse

Video: Gymnastic Jumping with a Gaited Horse

Video: Gaited Dressage

Gaited Dressage: Training Level
Our first gaited dressage show in 2010.

I never imagined I’d be showing dressage after 16 years on a horse that doesn’t trot!

Gaited Dressage
In 2010, I saw a post on craigslist.com advertising a schooling dressage show near my home. I called the show manager and asked if I could ride my gaited horse in flat walk instead of trot. The show manager agreed and that’s when we made the switch to showing gaited dressage. I never imagined I’d be showing dressage after 16 years on a horse that doesn’t trot!

Since 2010, Makana and I have ridden over 60 gaited dressage tests at open USDF schooling dressage shows and have been the only gaited entry among the trotting horses. Being the odd ball at these events has sparked great conversations. Many people ask what breed my horse is and when I tell them she is a Tennessee Walking Horse they are wonderfully surprised to see a barefoot and naturally gaited TWH moving in a smooth four-beat gait without heavy shoes, artificial enhancements, or a harsh bit.

The main reason I bring my naturally gaited Walking horse to schooling dressage shows is to get feedback on our training from a professional. Plus, dressage tests force me and my horse to train through all of the required movements. The difficult movements traveling in the more challenging direction would be easy to avoid if I were just hacking at home.

In 2014, my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Gift of Freedom, was named Champion in Training Level, Champion in First Level, and received the Highest Percentage Award in 2014 by Friends of Sound Horses (F.O.S.H.).

Flat walk
In First Level tests the horse must show bending through the corners at a flat walk, circle 10 meters at a flat walk, perform a 20 meter flat walk circle allowing the horse to stretch its head and neck down and out, and leg yields at a flat walk.

2015 Gaited Dressage Competitions
In 2015, my naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse, Gift of Freedom, and I competed at five USDF open dressage schooling shows and rode 10 NWHA Training Level and First Level gaited dressage tests. We were the only gaited horse entry among trotting horses at these shows which always opens the door to wonderful conversation with fellow competitors and onlookers. Nine times out of ten, people say that they own a gaited horse for trail riding, and it had never occurred to them that dressage training methods could actually improve their communication and partnership with their horse on the trail until seeing it in action!

1992-jennifer-klitzke-seiltanzer-first-recognized-show
My first recognized dressage show with my Trakehner/thoroughbred gelding in 1992.

Dressage Education
Beginning in 1988, I took 12 years of regular dressage lessons and showed my Trakehner/thoroughbred gelding SeilTanzer successfully at USDF recognized shows—Training Level through Second Level—until his retirement in 1996. Now with my Tennessee Walking Horse, I have resumed my dressage education by attending gaited dressage clinics with instructors who travel to my State, since no gaited dressage instructors teach nearby.

naturallygaited-Jennie-Jackson-dressage=as=applied-to-the-gaited-horse-clinic
Riding at a Jennie Jackson Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse Clinic in 2013.

Among the clinicians who I have ridden with are Larry Whitesell, Jennifer Bauer, Bucky Sparks, and I have coordinated two gaited dressage clinics with Jennie Jackson in Minnesota (2013 and 2014). In March 2015, I traveled to Tennessee to ride at a Jennie Jackson Dressage en Gaite clinic.

I also study the work of Mary Wanless riding biomechanics through her books and videos, Philippe Karl French Classical Dressage DVDs, and Lisa Maxwell Riding in Lightness DVD.

I am a member of Central States Dressage and Eventing Association and show my naturally gaited TWH at their schooling dressage shows and have been a member of Friends of Sound Horses (F.O.S.H.).

NaturallyGaited.com
In addition to training and showing gaited dressage, I launched www.NaturallyGaited.com in 2010 as a means to promote natural and humane training methods for gaited horses using dressage. This blog features stories, photos, videos, and information about how dressage can improve the quality of natural four-beat gaits without the use of abusive handling, heavy shoes, harsh bits, and artificial gadgets or enhancements. I also participate and promote natural barefoot trimming.

“Dressage is more than trot and the saddle you ride in.”

Readers of www.NaturallyGaited.com learn how dressage can help their trotty or pacey gaited horses develop smoother gaits as they develop relaxation, balance, rhythm, collection, and forward movement without rushing. Dressage improves the rider’s skills, sense of feel and timing of the aids in communicating with the horse and develops more harmony between the horse and rider relationship. In fact, dressage improves the horse’s natural gaits on cue, whether flat walk, foxtrot, or trot. Indeed “dressage is more than trot and the saddle you ride in.”

Volunteer Work

Students
As a volunteer instructor, I have introduced dozens of students, young and old, to the naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse and gaited dressage.

My naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse has introduced dozens of people—young and old—to the basics of gaited dressage as I offer lessons as a volunteer instructor at my hobby farm. I have also served as a volunteer foster care home and have trained and placed many horses for the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation. In 2010, my husband and I fostered, broke, and trained a three-year-old Arabian gelding and competed him at the 2010 Trainer’s Challenge of the Unwanted Horse.

Over the last five years I have volunteered hundreds of hours providing graphic design, story writing, and photography for the Minnesota Walker publication for the Minnesota Walking Horse Association and cover designs for the Heritage Highlights publication for the International Heritage Walking Horse Society. Both non profit organizations are supporters of humanely treated naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horses.


NTAWH Grant

piaffe en gaite
Jennie Jackson riding TWH stallion Champagne Watchout in piaffe en gaite.

The NTAWH award includes a grant to use in furthering my gaited dressage education with my mentor Jennie Jackson to which I am so grateful. Not only has Jennie Jackson accomplished what no other person in history has by training and showing a Tennessee Walking Horse to the highest levels of dressage, but Jennie and her husband Nate have been on the front lines for over 30 years fighting against the soring and abuse that has tarnished the TWH industry. I am humbled to know them as mentors and friends.

I am honored to receive this recognition award by the United States Humane Society “Now That’s a Walking Horse” Program and am so thankful to obtain a grant to further my gaited dressage training with my mentor Jennie Jackson.


Let me know your thoughts by sending me a message. Stay connected by subscribing to the Naturally Gaited youtube channel and “like” us on facebook.com/naturallygaited.

The Versatile Paso Fino

Since launching NaturallyGaited.com, I’ve met a lot of interesting people through social media who are enjoying their naturally gaited horses in a variety of ways. Recently, I met J. Ed Casillas who enjoys his Paso Finos for trail riding, endurance riding, rescue, team penning, drill team demonstrations, and therapy riding programs.

I’ve learned a lot about Paso Finos that I never knew. Such as, did you know that Pasos are able to execute up to nine different natural gaits on cue? 1. Walk 2. Trot 3. Fino 4. Canter/lope 5. Corto/slow rack 6. Largo/fast rack 7. Super largo/singlefoot 8. Pace 9. Andadura /amble. Some gaits of which are faster than the gallop of most trotting horse breeds.

J. Ed Casillas’s story unveils a wonderful bond between a horse and rider and highlights just how versatile the Paso Fino is, so I asked him if he would share his story with you. –Jennifer Klitzke


A smooth flying single-foot gait that travels 15 -25 mph.
Obi and I racing along in the Andadura gait, like a slick pace, which travels up to 25 mph and can exceed a non-gaited horse’s gallop. When Obi reaches 20 mph he goes from a natural four-beat, isochronal largo to the lateral glide ride that feels even and smooth but hits like a pace laterally as you can see.

The Versatile Paso Fino

By J. Ed Casillas, Guest Writer

childhood
Early years

Although I wasn’t a horse owner until later in life, I’ve been around horses since I was a child. One of my grandfathers was a cattleman who provided mules to the U.S. cavalry. The other was a dude rancher who had business relationships with western movie cowboys. My uncle had a ranch, and I rode his horses during branding round-ups. I also exercised other people’s horses for fun or favor, and I worked around the race track horses.

Then I suffered an occupational back injury. So at 40, when I began looking for my first horse, I knew I needed a smooth-gaited horse to go easy on my back. When I met a Paso Fino gelding named Obrizo Juan Sinsonte (Obi), I knew he would fulfill this requirement very well.

Leo and Lindsay
Leo and Lindsay

I had been introduced to Paso Finos when I rode Obi’s sire, Leo de Vez (Leo). Leo is a son of Coral LaCE, the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Hall of Fame stallion and 13 time top 10 sire. Leo also competed in the first all Paso Fino drill team in Florida. He was known for passing on his wonderful disposition, confirmation, and natural smooth gaits. Leo was a seasoned competitive trail, AERC endurance horse, had been shown in his younger years, and became a South East Distance Riders Association Hall of Fame stallion.

Paso Beginnings
Paso Finos found their way into my life unexpectedly. In 1996 my work took me from Tallahassee, Florida to Las Vegas, Nevada where I met Lindsay Campbell, a Florida native and Paso Fino owner. After we had been hiking partners to vistas where she wrote while I painted landscapes, she shipped two of her Paso Finos, Obi and Leo, from Florida and we became riding partners.

My initial ride on Obi showed that he was rather green when compared to Leo, so Lindsay rode Obi for the first 10 months. I rode Leo who did an excellent job educating me about riding a trained Paso Fino. While exploring the trails, I shared my enthusiasm for the Paso Fino with everyone I met. Most riders in Las Vegas rode quarter horses, paints, and mustangs. They took notice to our Paso Finos’ naturally smooth gaits.

Obi and Ed
Obi and I

Pasos for Healing
As for me, I discovered the healing properties associated with riding naturally smooth gaited Paso Finos: my back didn’t bother me as I rode and the low-impact strengthening of my abdominal and back supporting muscles rehabilitated my back without the pain of conventional exercise. In fact, the only pain I suffered with a Paso Fino occurred when Obi was unloaded from the rig. He stepped on my foot in his exuberance to get off. Fortunately he was barefoot and I wasn’t!

After Obi and I had completed our training, Lindsay began riding Leo, and I rode Obi. It didn’t take long for me to bond with Obi as my very own. He has been my once-in-a-lifetime horse.

Pasos for Trail
In 2000, Lindsay and I joined the Pasos for Pleasure program offered in Paso Fino Horse World magazine. This program recognizes those who ride their Paso Finos for recreational purposes such as trail riding. Participants log their trail miles for milestone awards. Lindsay and I loved riding long hours through nature on the virtually limitless trail system outside of Las Vegas. Lindsay and I rode with several riding clubs such as Drinkers of the Wind Riding Club, Roughriders, and a gaited group, as well as with members of organizations from the National Wild Horse and Burro Association, Nevada Horse Council, and the Trail Coalition.

Obi and Ed at Red Rock
Obi and I riding at Red Rock Canyon where we often would see wild mustangs and burros running free.

We trail rode West of Las Vegas at Red Rock Canyon, a National Conservation area, where early Spanish missionaries and immigrants traveled through to California. Red Rock Canyon is home to several herds of wild mustangs and burros. On most of our rides we would see them roaming free.

Saving the Wild Mustangs and Burros
In 1999 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed to remove the herds from Red Rock Canyon. I discussed holding a rally and trail ride in support of keeping the wild mustangs and burros at Red Rock. The horse and biking clubs agreed. We notified the media about our rally and trail ride. Several dignitaries voiced their support such as Las Vegas Mayor-elect Oscar Goodman. Lindsay and Leo, her naturally smooth gaited Paso Fino, led the ride.

Mayor-elect Goodman riding Obi
Mayor-elect Goodman riding Obi at the rally

The rally included speeches, sentiments, and discussion about the importance of wild horses to the aesthetics of Red Rock Canyon, with a backdrop of beautifully moving wooden flute music which was played by a Native American. Afterwards, Mayor-elect Goodman’s public relations officer asked if Mr. Goodman could ride Obi. I agreed and a photo was taken of Mayor-elect Goodman enjoying his glide ride on Obi which was published in the Las Vegas Review Journal. This rally and support played a major role in keeping wild mustangs and burros at Red Rock Canyon (at least for the time being).

Inspired by the Native American flute player, I learned how to play a wooden flute and took it to the trails. However I wouldn’t recommend playing the flute while riding any horse other than one as naturally smooth and well behaved as Obi. It’s hard to ride safely while playing an instrument requiring use of both hands. Folks, don’t try this at home. Obi’s largo has been clocked at 20 miles an hour. A misstep at that speed could be disastrous. In fact, we did stumble once and my wooden flute bears teeth marks to prove it!

Pasos for Rescue
Speaking of missteps, riders with much more experience than I have come off their horses during our rides with other groups. Two times Obi and I recovered the loose horses by applying natural horsemanship techniques: Pursue briefly towards the loose horse, driving in, then turning away until the loose horse instinctively follows instead of moves away, and then slowing the pace until getting hold of the loose reins.

The third time the mishap occurred after a long climb up a steep grade into the mountains. My friend was riding an Arabian named Royal who lost his footing on slick rocks. Royal scrambled wildly to regain his footing but went down. My friend’s foot was pinned against the rocks and was badly fractured. Obi blocked Royal’s way while I caught him, and we ponied him five steep, rocky miles down the mountain for help while other riders attended to my friend. I got Royal back to camp. Another rider untacked him while Obi and I met the paramedics on a rough dirt road.

There was no way, an ambulance could reach my friend. The paramedics had to travel by foot carrying their heavy equipment and a tire gurney five miles up the high elevation and steep rocky grade. Seeing that they needed help, Obi and I offered to carry the equipment. Obi had already traversed the steep trail twice—once to take Royal and summon for help and twice to return to my friend and tell her “help is on the way.” We made it the third time back to the accident scene. It took five men to move my friend to where a helicopter could land. Then Obi and I carried the paramedic’s equipment down the mountain. It sure was easier going down, even with a rope tied to the gurney to ease it downhill.

Obi was a real hero on the trail that day. We earned eight Pasos for Pleasure hours that day alone. Obi never faltered. He didn’t even flinch at the sound of the chopper when it landed or took off. We earned our 500-hour patch during that time, and it means so much to me now.

Pasos for Drill Team Demos
Obi has been featured as a demonstration horse to promote the Paso Fino breed. In 1998 and 1999, Lindsay and Leo, Obi and I, and our friend, Carlos Duran and his champion Dominican stallion, Centinela la Joya, participated in the 1998 and 1999 All-breed Festival held at Horseman’s Park in Las Vegas. Both years, the three of us had fun riding drill team routines which incorporated sliding stops. The spectators really loved our Paso Finos’ speed and naturally smooth gaits. I even let a few horsemen of other breeds ride Obi. After one turn around the arena each rider returned with the never failing “Paso Fino grin.” It seems that every person I know that has ridden Obi has turned around and bought a Paso Fino.

Pasos for Penning
For six months I took Obi to a local ranch for team penning where we won the Best Time Award. This was just friendly competition (with serious quarter horse pros). Obi really excels in this sport, instinctively knowing what to do. He cuts, holds herds, sits down, and turns quickly. Fellow riders often asked what breed of horse Obi is and how long have we had been penning. I let some riders give him a try, and they remarked on his reining skill and how fast, responsive, and naturally smooth he is. Our team had penned steers in as little as 40 seconds. Maybe someday we’ll see Paso Fino’s in the pro ranks!

Pasos for Endurance
In 2000, I moved back to Florida and ever since then I’ve acquired more Paso Finos—each one of Obi’s lineage. The Pasos for Pleasure program and the other recreational rider activities have increased the exposure of Paso Finos. The ever dependable and swift Obi has acquired the 2004-2005 High Point Endurance Horse of the Year. He has his Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Title of Proficiency and is the first Paso Fino to earn it with trail points.

I also have Obi’s younger brother, Yoda Eclipsis Sinsonte, who earned the 2008 PFHA High Point Pleasure Trail Horse of the Year. Lindsay rode Obi’s full sister, Pocita de Cosa Dulce (Pocita), and has acquired the PFHA Endurance Horse of the Year in 2007, 2008, and 2010. In 2011 the duo earned the PFHA/AERC breed (highest mileage endurance) award. Obi and Pocita’s full sibling, Miri-Castana Sinsonte has been successfully competing against quarter horses at all breed game shows in pole weaving.

Obi and Pocita
Lindsay and I riding Pocita and Obi

Pasos for Trail Challenge
While Obi is still my demo horse, I’m looking forward to exploring new adventures. Recently Obi and I began riding at the ACTHA trail challenges where Obi earned a blue ribbon at his first ride and three red ribbons thereafter.

Pasos for Soccer?
Horse soccer was showcased at the PFHA Nationals, so I have a soccer ball now. I will see where this takes us. So far our Pasos seem to have fun moving the ball along. Horse soccer anyone?

Pasos for Therapy
My passion for Pasos has grown on my daughters, too. One of my daughters has developmental challenges. Riding not only helps her condition, it also improves her self-esteem and confidence. Whenever she rides she beams with happiness for all to see. For both of my daughters my Paso Finos seem to adjust to their needs like nursemaids. Their sure-footed confidence, smooth gait, and gentle dispositions allow my daughters to feel free from the day’s restraints as they enjoy adventures of their own with Pasos for Pleasure.

Father and daughter
My daughter and I riding Obi and Yoda.

Obi is great with all riders. The video below shows him at HOpe Horses Helping PEople Therapeutic Riding Center in Archer, Florida being used as a therapy horse.


I hope you enjoyed reading J. Ed Casillas’s story about his partnership with his versatile Paso Fino Obi. If you have a naturally gaited horse you’ve developed a special relationship with and ride gaited dressage or versatility, and would like to share your story on NaturallyGaited.com, please contact me by completing the contact form. —Jennifer Klitzke

Improve Canter with a Gaited Horse

naturally-gaited-dressage-is-more-than-trot-jennifer-klitzke-canter

Does your naturally gaited horse struggle with a pace canter or cross canter? Exercises over ground rails and small fences can improve canter quality.

Here’s my story…

Improve canter with a gaited horse

By Jennifer Klitzke

Experiencing dressage with my naturally gaited horses proves that relaxation of the mind and body produce smoother gaits, including canter. This means less lateral canter and four beat canter.

“Don’t practice a poor-quality canter.”

I learned an important lesson from my gaited dressage mentor, Jennie Jackson. She says, “Don’t practice a poor-quality canter.” This means as soon as my horse begins to feel flat, hollow, bumpy, braced, or out of balance in the canter, I need to stop cantering and start over from relaxation. That’s when I transition from canter to a walk or halt, reestablish balance and relaxation and ask for a quality canter depart to quality canter steps.

This also means I need to recognize the feeling of a quality canter and a poor-quality canter so that I can ask for more of the former and reduce steps of the latter. If I continue riding a poor-quality canter, that’s what I teach my horse.

If I want a quality canter, I must know firsthand what a quality canter feels like and practice more of it. That’s why taking lessons from a qualified instructor is so important to me. Instruction provides me timely feedback so that I can learn the feeling of quality and the feeling of poor quality. This helps me train my horses with greater progress and success when I am riding on my own.

Introducing canter with a gaited horse

Exercises to break a pace canter or four-beat canter

Below is a cantering exercise over two ground rails in an L-shape. I begin by letting my horse walk over the rails before we cantered over them.

This is a super fun exercise for the rider and horse.

In addition to improving the quality of canter, you’ll also learn:

  • Balance of the horse
  • Rider balance on the horse
  • The horse’s rhythm
  • Keeping the horse forward yet relaxed
  • Looking ahead to plan the arc of a turn and line to a rail
  • Getting a feel for how many canter strides to a rail

The L-shape can also be used to school flying changes over the rail by alternating the direction over each pole.

Exercises to improve canter quality

Gymnastic jumping and ground rails

Course of Rails at Rocking R
Showing stadium jumping over rails

While I will never become serious about show jumping my naturally gaited horses, I enjoy schooling them over ground rails and small fences for gymnastic purposes. It gives them variety in their training. I’ve noticed that when we ride over ground poles and small fences, it creates more lift to their canter and brings out a truer three-beat canter.

Video: Cantering a Gaited Horse over Obstacles

Video: Starting a Gaited Horse over Fences

More Exercises for the Gaited Horse to improve smooth gaits.


I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.

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The Gaited Dressage School Master

Gaited Dressage: The School Master

There’s no better way to capture “the feeling of right” than by riding a gaited dressage school master under the coaching of a seasoned gaited dressage legend: Jennie Jackson.

The Gaited Dressage School Master

By Jennifer Klitzke

March 2015―I just got back from another Dressage as Applied to the Gaited Horse Clinic with Jennie Jackson. This time I flew to Tennessee. As much as I wanted to ride my naturally gaited Walking horse Makana, I couldn’t squeeze her in my luggage! Words cannot express my gratitude to Jennie’s daughter for her generosity in lending to me her exquisite naturally gaited Tennessee walking horse gelding, Outrageous, who became my second level school master for the three-day clinic. He was like riding a Rolls-Royce!

Outrageous is an organically gaited son of the famous gaited dressage stallion Champaign Watchout. I say, “organically gaited” because he is ridden barefoot and trained without the use of chains, pads, soring, harsh bits, or artificial gimmicks. He is Bonafide USDA approved!

Learning the “Feeling of Right”

Riding a school master is a terrific way to get established in “the feeling of right.” With Jennie’s coaching, Outrageous answered the many questions I have had training Makana in gaited dressage. He clarified the feelings between medium walk, flat walk, and running walk; the feeling of a correct response when applying my rein, seat, and leg aids for leg yield, shoulder in, haunches in, and half pass in flat walk; how to discern the feeling of stiffness within the horse’s body and resolving that stiffness through suppling exercises; the feeling of horse and rider balance; the feeling of riding on a relaxed and round back with deep stride beneath my seat.

Jennie also coached me through the positioning of “on-the-bit” as it relates to the head shaking horse while maximizing depth of stride; she helped me negotiated which of my body parts remain still and which ones follow the horse’s motion to allow the horse to move freely forward; she coached me through the application, timing, and release of aids for lateral suppling exercises; and gave me effective tools in how to regain trusted leadership whenever Outrageous became distracted or tense when away from home with a stranger he didn’t know. All of this learning will help me so much when I get back home to Makana.

The clinic was held at White Stables in Vonore, Tennessee and featured riders as young as 12 on up with a mix of gaited and trotting horses of various levels of training from green broke to well established in dressage.

Coaching riders with their gaited horses

Beatrice and Jazz

In fact, one of the students, Beatrice came to the clinic with her fiancé’s three-year-old black Tennessee walking horse filly. She has been a long-time dressage rider of trotting horses and brought her fiancé’s gaited horse to the clinic to get feedback from Jennie about which gait the horse was performing beneath her.

This took me back to April of 2007 when I purchased my black gaited filly as a three-year-old and I asked the very same questions. (I only wish that Jennie lived near me so I could take regular lessons!)

By the second lessons Beatrice had her filly performing a smooth gaited rack, flat walk, and canter and leading our trail ride on the final clinic day!

Taking clinic experiences back home

A huge thanks to Jennie Jackson for imparting more knowledge and experience to me as Makana and I tackle the new gaited dressage tests this year. There are no words to describe how honored I am to learn from the only person in history who has trained and shown a naturally gaited Tennessee Walking Horse through the highest levels of dressage and who is willing to share her knowledge with anyone willing to learn.

Now that I’m back to snowy Minnesota, I can’t wait to try out all I’ve learned with my naturally gaited Walking horse Makana. (Come to think of it, she’s organically gaited, too!)

Learn more, visit Jennie Ball Jackson Gaited 4Beat Dressage and join her facebook group: Jennie Jackson Dressage En Gaite on Facebook.


Special thanks to White Stables who hosted the clinic. What a terrific place to ride—situated on 135 acres of wooded trails which we experienced on our last day of the clinic. Plus, a wonderful group of people to ride with!


I hope this is helpful. Let me know your thoughts by sending a message.

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