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Horses/Short Stride vs. Long Stride

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Expert: Lisa Lee - 9/15/2009


Question

TB Mare
I am in the process of looking for a new hunter horse and really like this mare.  However she had a bit of a short trot stride and my trainer is telling me its because of her shoulder slope/angle and that I will not be able to lengthen it with ground pole work.  Is this true?

Answer
Hi - yes, your trainer is right. Conformation is conformation, and while there are certain aspects that you can 'tweak' (such as sickle or cow hocks with trimming) or work around, something like a shoulder angle is not one of them. The construction of the shoulder itself will limit how far she is able to stride, it is an actual mechanical limitation as opposed to something that is physical and able to be worked on.  

Don't get too down though, I'm sure the right horse is out there, and it sounds like your trainer has YOUR best interest in mind in wanting you to get the right type of horse for your discipline.

Lisa Lee

Expertise

Questions on basic training, fire safety with all types of animals, transportation questions, Fire Code requirements for buildings (NYS), basic building construction, fire safety in barns and animal facilities.

Experience

Over 20 years experience in the horse industry, from working on farms to owning and breeding my own horses. Have been involved with Code Enforcement and NFPA Standard development for the past 7 years. I am also involved in the Fire Service, both volunter and professionally, for a total of 20+ years.

Organizations
NFPA

Education/Credentials
Multiple National Certifications in the Fire Service, including Fire Service Instructor, Fire Investigator Level 1, Hazardous Materials Technician; and I am curently close to the completion of my AS in Fire Science Technology. Over 20 years experience working with horses both personally and professionally, currently owner of 3 Paso Fino horses.

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