OEP 31: Answering Gaited Horse Training Questions with Ivy Starnes (Part Two)

In this episode, host Tamara Lee Barrett welcomes back Ivy Starnes of Ivy's Glide Gait for a comprehensive Q&A session diving deep into your gaited horse training questions. From fixing trotty horses to understanding the nuances between the gaits, Ivy shares her expertise on achieving smooth, comfortable gaits through proper communication, training techniques, and equipment choices. This conversation addresses the most common challenges gaited horse owners face and provides practical solutions grounded in understanding each horse's individual needs and movement patterns.What You'll Learn:How to approach fixing a trotty horse—from the saddle versus the groundThe role breeding practices play in creating pacey horses in certain breedsWhy saddle racks and foxtrots are distinct gaits requiring different approachesHow proper rein contact and communication improve performance on a loose reinThe significant impact hoof care and shoeing practices have on gait qualityWhen and how to use different bits, including shanked bits, for training successHow to help your vet identify lameness in gaited horses and address underlying gait issuesTakeaways:Working from the saddle is often more effective than groundwork for fixing trotty gaitsAchieving one gait (like a saddle rack) doesn't automatically lead to another (like a foxtrot)Understanding your horse's movement is crucial for their health, longevity, and your comfortTraining techniques must be adapted to each individual horse's needs and responsesTeaching horses to understand rein contact creates better performance and safety overallThe balance between telescoping forward and rocking back affects gait qualityConsistency in training and proper feedback are essential for successHoof care issues can significantly impact a horse's ability to gait correctlyWhether you're struggling with a pacey horse, trying to understand contact and softness, or navigating equipment choices, this episode provides the guidance you need. Ivy's thoughtful, individualized approach demonstrates that effective gaited horse training comes from understanding biomechanics, clear communication, and meeting each horse where they are.Guest Bio: Ivy Starnes specializes in gaited horse training through her business Ivy's Glide Gait. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, she travels nationwide conducting three-day clinics focused on achieving smooth, relaxed gaits. Her extensive online content and training videos demonstrate that gaited horses can naturally gait on a loose rein in a relaxed frame, challenging traditional training methods in the gaited horse community. You can find her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and www.ivyshorses.comDon't Forget To Follow, Subscribe, Rate The Show, and Follow Our Socials! TamaraLeeBarrett.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Gaited Horses02:03 Understanding Trotty Horses04:55 Fixing the Trotty Gait07:23 The Role of Breeding in Gait10:01 Saddle Rack vs. Foxtrot12:55 Finding the Right Gait15:25 The Impact of Weight on Gait17:46 Training Techniques for Gaited Horses23:44 Training the Ear for Gait Recognition24:34 Understanding Gait Differences in Horses26:33 Achieving a Balanced Gait29:43 The Importance of Feedback in Riding30:10 Bitless Riding: Pros and Cons32:36 Choosing the Right Bit for Your Horse36:00 Using Shanked Bits for Control43:54 Contact and Softness in Riding52:35 Navigating Challenges in Horse Training53:21 The Importance of Consistency in Training54:38 Understanding Contact and Its Impact56:56 Teaching the Rock Back Technique01:00:33 The Balance of Telescoping and Rocking Back01:04:37 Identifying Lameness in Gaited Horses01:06:49 Addressing Hoof Care and Gait Issues