I recently viewed a
recently-taken photo of a proud equestrian astride her new mount. The caption
read “this one’s for you, Mom”. It was a flashback to this woman’s childhood
years as an accomplished rider.
The poise and pose led me to think
about the learned skills of keeping one’s seat through every movement and
change of pace. Despite humans being two-footed rather than four, there are
similarities – in particular the change of gaits.
Some thoroughbred race horses
spring out of the gate with a burst of speed and pent-up energy – reaching
their maximum speed in a few short seconds. Other horses and their riders are
trained to mete out their energy and hold out for an endurance run rather than
a sprint.
If recollection serves me
accurately, the change of four gaits for
horses begins with a walk, then into a canter, and gallop. Or walk, then trot, etc.. Specific breeds,
such as a Tennessee Walking Horse, have five gaits. Sulky racers may be either
Pacers or Trotters – and their breeding reflects how the legs move either in
parallel or diagonally.
No matter what gait you
choose – keep your eyes forward and ears pricked for markers that signify the
progress of your race.!
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