Community
EquiSearch Community » Talk About Horses » Gaited Horses » Question about Walking Horses

Question about Walking Horses

Last post 09-14-2012 5:19 PM by blueyedhorse. 8 replies.
Page 1 of 1 (9 items)
Sort Posts: Previous Topic Next Topic

  • 07-19-2012 3:57 PM

    Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact

    I was wondering if there are any special cues for the running walk for Walking Horses and is there anything the rider has to do to keep the horse in the gait?  The reason I'm asking, is that I'm writing a story set in the 1870's, where the hero makes his escape on a Walking Horse.  Although the hero is a good rider and has heard of Walking Horses, he has never ridden one.  The owners of the mare don't know that they have a Walker and have been trying to teach her to trot.  A seven year old boy has figured the mare out and rides her secertly at night.  He helps the hero escape and tells him what to expect when riding her. 

    So basicly, what would a rider need to know when riding a Walker for the first time?

    Thanks.

     Spotted Pony

     

  • 07-21-2012 12:50 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact

    I don't know anything about Walking Horses but your story sounds fun! I write historical fiction books. I've got a couple about the 1870s, but I mostly write about Pre-WWII and WWII. :) Are you planning on publishing this book? I'm not yet a published author but I've been thinking about it. :D Sounds like a fun story. Hope you find some info on Walking Horses to add into the story. A good story's got good, real facts smashed inbetween. :) And a great story's got horses in it! :D

    -GC

    "We were ninety-nine percent trouble and one percent innocent...What could we say? We were adventurers!" -The I Can! Cowgirls

    "I'm not a horse trainer, I'm a horseman. What’s the difference? A horse trainer trains horses; a horseman trains himself." – Chris Cox

    "How do you gain your horse's respect? By moving his feet forwards, backwards, left and right and always rewarding the slightest try." -Clinton Anderson

    “It’s the way you ride the trail that counts.” -Roy Rodgers

    "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

  • 07-21-2012 4:43 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact
    I am a published mystery writer--3 published by Berkley Prime Crime--though I no longer write. Except here and in email. :D But if you are ready to look for an agent--don't try to get published by sending your story, cold, to a publisher, find an agent to sell it for you--let me know and I can give you some tips. Tips about finding agents, not about TWH.

    Megan


    		"The horse you get off is not the horse you got on. It is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible, the change is for the better."

    Anonymous

  • 07-21-2012 5:44 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact

    Actually it's a fanfiction based on the TV show The Wild, Wild West, so I won't be looking for a publisher, but will be publishing on line at fanfic.net.  I do have a chapter of a story I need to get to working on.  It's about a girl who suffers a back injury in a auto accident and can't ride anymore.  So with the help of her mother and uncle, she learns how to drive a horse and show in driving classes. 

    Years ago, I was considering buying a Walking Horse, but although the horse was for sale, the owner apparently wasn't ready to sell.  I'd arrange with her to try the horse, but she would 'forget' and not turn up.  So I didn't bother asking after the second time.  So while I know the history of the breed, I still need information about riding the breed.

    Spotted Pony

     

  • 07-21-2012 5:54 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact

    What are the titles of your stories?  Are they still in print?  When I have a manuscript I'm ready to send out, I'll let you know, thanks. 

    If you are interested in reading what I've already done, I'm SpotsOnAPony over at http://www.fanfiction.net .  Most are Bonanza stories, so there is some horse stuff in them.  I've also written an essay  about horses for writers of western fanfiction at http://thewwwfanforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=fanfic&action=display&thread=590  . 

     Spotted Pony

     

  • 07-21-2012 7:58 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact

    SpottedPony_horse:
    If you are interested in reading what I've already done, I'm SpotsOnAPony over at http://www.fanfiction.net .

    No way! I'm CollieandShire on fanfiction! Funny you write Wild Wild West stories and Bonanza. There's another writer on fanfiction named RowdyClara who writes Wild Wild West. Have you seen her stuff? I'll look up your stories. I write Big Valley stories on there (currently only have one up right now) so that's just too funny you're on there too! :D

    -GC

    "We were ninety-nine percent trouble and one percent innocent...What could we say? We were adventurers!" -The I Can! Cowgirls

    "I'm not a horse trainer, I'm a horseman. What’s the difference? A horse trainer trains horses; a horseman trains himself." – Chris Cox

    "How do you gain your horse's respect? By moving his feet forwards, backwards, left and right and always rewarding the slightest try." -Clinton Anderson

    “It’s the way you ride the trail that counts.” -Roy Rodgers

    "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

  • 07-21-2012 9:39 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact
    SpottedPony_horse:

    What are the titles of your stories?  Are they still in print?

    The novels are mysteries with a female pilot protagonist who flies medical evacuations in Alaska. I actually was a professional pilot who flew in Alaska, before I suffered a severe head injury when I was run over by a forklift. That ended my flying career, but started my writing career, and my former life gave me something exciting to write about. The books are not in print anymore, but are titled DEAD STICK, RED LINE, and COFFIN CORNER. If you go to Amazon you can find book sellers that still carry them.
    Megan


    		"The horse you get off is not the horse you got on. It is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible, the change is for the better."

    Anonymous

  • 09-11-2012 10:15 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact
    From what I see on this, it looks like no one has really given you an answer to your question.  You might want to check out a book called "Easy-Gaited Horses" by Lee Zigler.  She gives alot of information that might help you.

  • 09-14-2012 5:19 PM In reply to

    Re: Question about Walking Horses

    Reply Contact
    I second Rubyowner - the Lee Ziegler book would give you lots of good info.  I have a horse trained to do the rack, so no experience with the running walk myself.  BUT, that said, to put Vannah into the rack all I do is lift the reins up slightly and hold them there.  Good luck with your story, Spotted Pony! Smile

EquiSearch Community » Talk About Horses » Gaited Horses » Question about Walking Horses
Page 1 of 1 (9 items)
Featured Offers
  • Save 10% on the Best Selection of Books and DVDs Online at HorseBooksEtc.com.
  • Receive $5 off your next purchase of Safe-Guard Power-Dose
  • 100% All Natural Wunder Hoof is a Quick, Easy and Affordable way to a Strong Healthy Hoof; Build Thicker Walls & Improve Hoof Condition.
  • Keeping your horse's hindgut healthy can be a challenge, learn about Proviable-EQ a new product from the Makers of Cosequin.
  • Steadfast Equine - a uniquely different joint supplement. Visit www.arenus.com to see the benefits of a more complete joint health supplement plan.