Walking Horse Adventure: A Ride on the Wild Side

A few weeks ago I was visiting friends in middle Tennessee, the heart of Tennessee Walking Horse country, and they took me to visit the stables of Rollie Beard, professional Walking Horse trainer and judge.

After a wonderful demonstration by Rollie, I was given the chance to ride. This cowgirl has never ridden a gaited horse, let alone a performance gaited horse. What a thrill. Rollie first tested me on a mild-mannered guy whose movement was relatively small. I rode in a western saddle and was able to find my rhythm relatively quickly. What a neat feeling riding a gaited horse.

After passing Rollie’s test, my next ride was on a full-fledged performance horse with big high-stepping action. I rode in a flat saddle which is what these horses are shown in. Ever ridden in a flat saddle?. It feels like all you have between you and the horse is an itty, bitty piece of felt with stirrups that swing wildly with the slightest movement

And, boy, did we have movement. That horse stepped out quickly, raising his front legs high with every step. It took all I had to stay in that saddle. The big movement combined with a saddle with very little support provided quite a challenge. Eventually I started to get the feel and I think I got to the point where I didn’t embarrass myself. At least I hope I got to that point.

Thanks to Rollie Beard and to Mr. Bobby Beech (owner of National Bridle Shop, the nation’s #1 tack shop for gaited horses), for a thrill I’ll always remember.

Related posts:

1. Quarter Horse Congress: Nothing Else Like It
2. Horse & Rider Magazine Blog