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Trail riding is supposed to be relaxing—for you and your horse. But if you own a hot gaited horse that refuses to walk calmly on the trail, constantly jacks his head up, or wants to blast forward, trail rides can quickly turn into a frustrating battle. This is especially common with Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds that have been trained with a lot of forward energy but very little true relaxation.
In this article, we’ll break down how to get a hot gaited horse to walk calmly on the trail, using clear, humane training principles that focus on head control, pressure and release, and true relaxation.
Why Hot Gaited Horses Struggle to Walk on the Trail
Understanding the Root of the Problem
Many gaited horses struggle with walking calmly because they have never learned how to relax their topline. Horses like Rocky—a Tennessee Walking Horse used in this example—often spend years traveling with their head high, pushed forward with strong bits, spurs, and constant rein pressure.
When a horse carries his head high:
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Adrenaline increases
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The back tightens
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Walking becomes difficult or impossible
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Pulling turns into a tug-of-war
The more the rider pulls, the more the horse pulls back. This creates more excitement, not less, and walking becomes the last thing the horse wants to do.
Head Control Is the Key to a Calm Trail Walk
Why Dropping the Head Changes Everything
If you want a gaited horse to walk calmly, you must first control the head. Head control is the gateway to relaxation.
Think about horses in a pasture:
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When they are relaxed, their heads are down grazing
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Right before they run, their heads come up and noses go out
The same rule applies under saddle. When a horse drops his head below the level of his withers, it releases endorphins that counteract adrenaline. This is what allows a hot horse to calm down.
Without head control, you cannot control speed, gait, or mindset.
Stop Pulling—It Only Adds Fuel to the Fire
Why Pulling on the Reins Makes Hot Horses Worse
A common mistake riders make is pulling harder when a horse gets fast. With hot gaited horses, this only:
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Increases tension
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Adds adrenaline
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Escalates the situation
Pulling on a horse that is already pulling on you creates static communication—nothing changes, and the horse stays fired up.
Instead, you need to be able to:
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Pick up both reins
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Ask the horse to drop his head
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Release immediately when he responds
That release is where the learning happens.
Teach the Horse to Stand Still First
Calm Walking Starts with a Calm Stop
Before you ever worry about walking, you must teach your horse how to stand still and relax.
If your horse is dancing, prancing, or constantly moving:
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Hold him in place
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Do not let him walk off
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Release only when all four feet are standing still
Standing still becomes the only place where the horse finds comfort.
The Three Signs of Relaxation You Must Wait For
How to Know When Your Horse Is Ready to Walk
Once your horse is standing quietly on a loose rein, wait for one of these three signs of relaxation:
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A big exhale or sigh
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The head drops
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The horse kicks a hip out and relaxes a hind leg
These signs tell you the adrenaline is leaving the body.
Only after you see one of these signs should you ask your horse to walk.
How to Ask for the Walk the Right Way
One Calm Step at a Time
When your horse is relaxed:
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Lightly squeeze with your legs
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Ask for one step only
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Release your legs immediately when that step happens
Then allow the horse to walk forward quietly.
If he speeds up, raises his head, or gets excited:
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Pick up the reins
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Ask him to stop
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Ask him to drop his head
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Release and reset
This makes walking a calm, thoughtful choice—not an explosion.
Why Circles and Running Don’t Work for Hot Horses
Cold Horse Advice Doesn’t Apply Here
Many traditional trail-riding tips come from trainers who mostly deal with lazy or cold horses. Advice like:
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“Circle them until they walk”
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“Run them until they calm down”
These methods do not work for hot gaited horses. Adding more movement only adds more fuel to the fire.
Hot horses need:
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Clear boundaries
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Stillness
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Calm, consistent expectations
Not more speed.
Breed Doesn’t Matter—Respect Does
Walking Speed Is Only a Problem If You Can’t Control It
Some riders believe gaited horses “walk too fast.” The truth is:
A walk is only too fast if you can’t dictate the pace.
It doesn’t matter what breed your horse is. He must walk at the speed you choose, not the speed he prefers.
If he speeds up:
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Apply pressure
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Ask for the head to drop
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Release when he complies
Start with Head Control Before Expecting a Walk
Why Foundation Comes First
If a horse cannot:
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Flex softly
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Give to rein pressure
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Drop his head willingly
Then it is pointless to ask him to walk calmly.
In Rocky’s case, training started in a halter before moving to a snaffle bit. The focus was never on speed—it was always on softness and control.
Once head control was established, calm walking became easy.
Consistency Creates Fast Results
Why the First Ride Might Take Two Hours
On day one, it might take two hours to walk a short distance. That’s okay.
Because:
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Day two might take one hour
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Day three might take 20 minutes
Horses learn quickly when expectations are crystal clear. Once they understand that excitement gets shut down every time, they choose relaxation.
Pro Tips for Getting a Hot Gaited Horse to Walk Calmly
Pro Tip #1: Stop the Excitement Immediately
If the horse gets high-headed and fast:
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Do not pull and go
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Stop him
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Shut it down
Clear stops are clearer than constant rein pressure.
Pro Tip #2: No Excuses—Walk No Matter What
It doesn’t matter if:
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Other horses are nearby
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Dogs are around
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You’re heading back to the barn
Any excuse you give your horse becomes his limitation. Expect calm walking everywhere.
Pro Tip #3: If You Can Stop, You Can Walk
If your horse respects your stop:
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Drop the reins
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Let him stand
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Bring him back to the same spot if he moves
Standing still is the reward. From there, wait for relaxation, ask for one step, and release.
Final Thoughts: Calm Walking Is About Clarity, Not Force
A calm trail walk isn’t about stronger bits, more circles, or wearing a horse out. It’s about:
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Head control
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Pressure and release
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Patience
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Crystal clear communication
When your horse understands exactly what you’re asking—and exactly what you won’t allow—walking calmly on the trail becomes easy.
With the right foundation, even the hottest gaited horse can become a quiet, relaxed trail partner.
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