How exciting – Ruby is a single-footing mule!!
We’ve only just now been able to get out and move around – after winter and after a very wet, cool spring - so I never knew that Ruby was a single-footer…until last week. During the winter we would work a little in the indoor space (very narrow, not an arena), and I always thought she was trotting. I kept wondering, “Why can’t I sit this trot?” My seat would naturally move back a bit, leaving my legs a little forward. I thought that surely my skills hadn’t slipped that much.
Well, last week we were finally able to go out and work in the outdoor arena. Mr. G was bush-hoggin’ the pasture directly behind the arena, and so was watching (he’s been a Walking Horse trainer, breeder, and rider for a long, long time). I got Ruby going into what I thought was her great trot, and we sailed – felt like flying! My seat came back toward the cantle, but this time I didn’t try to stop it – I relaxed and had fun. Mr. G stopped that tractor and said “Hey, not bad!” I thanked him and said something about her trot, and he said, “Oh, that wasn’t a trot. She was single-footin’!” I was dumbfounded. Well, I didn’t know what that gait felt like, so how could I know? And I can’t see her legs/feet from my seat on her back, so…….
Well, now I’m really excited! This is my first step into the world of gaited equines. I’ve learned barrel racing, straight western riding, and dressage (and plain ol’ bareback), so now I enter a new field. Fine with me! Wow, that single-foot gait is a blast to ride. And Ruby’s a natural. She had 2 speeds that day. Her slower speed was the sweetest, smoothest gait I have ever experienced. Just heaven! And the speedier gait was, as I said, like flying.
I think Mr. G is excited. I think he gets a kick out of having a gaited mule in his Walker barn : )
I must confess something: I used to quesiton the position of riders in saddle-seat or in western saddle on gaited equines. Seemed to me that their seat was too far back, their legs too far forward. Now I understand why. At least from my new perspective, this special gait naturally “pushes” your seat back so that, as Mr. G puts it, you’re sitting more on your back pockets. My legs hang relaxed at Ruby’s sides, guiding and cuing as necessary, but otherwise free and easy. My hands are steady and quiet, with a little contact (I’m still using the “Indian” bosal I bought from “Crazy Ropes by Debbie” – love it).
In my online research, I've discovered that single-footing equines can reach speeds over 20 mph!! And to see video footage of the power of the speed rack is just amazing. I’m also glad to report that of all of the photos and videos I’ve seen, not one single-footer had any “junk” applied to his/her feet or legs in order to exaggerate the gait. It seems to me the single-foot crowd must take pride in keeping their horses in a natural state. A giant Hoorah! for that.
On top of this thrilling new gait, Ruby and I have begun to work more and more as a unit. She has become more sensitive to cues, therefore I am able to pull back and use more refined and subtle cues – legs, seat, hands - all of them. Extremely exciting! What a fabulous feeling to learn together and to learn every minute that we are out together – working on feel, timing. Incidentally, Ruby’s “herd-bound” problem has basically dissipated. And I haven't had to use hobbles or any such thing. I know some mule folks are all into the use of hobbles, but, personally speaking, I’m not. And we’re doing beautifully without them.
My personal motto is “let’s take our time”. We’re not in a hurry, and as I mentioned in past posts, Ruby does beautifully when we follow that motto and learn in a relaxed, quiet manner. I work and learn better that way, myself.
I’m excited for our new adventure! I am in equine heaven! : )
Some interesting websites:
http://www.shobaonline.com/
http://fairwind.net/~singlefo/
http://www.fosh.info/index.html
P.S. - Speaking of flying, how about that Rachel Alexandra? Go, lady! Show those boys how it's done : )
