Rare gaited horses: Discover the tölt wonders from Brandenburg!

Rare gaited horses: Discover the tölt wonders from Brandenburg!

Riding in Brandenburg becomes a very special experience, especially when it comes to the fascinating tölt gait. Christiane Grosdanoff is a breeder who, with her mare Genia, demonstrates this pleasant form of locomotion that only exists in this form in certain breeds. Tölt is one of the special gaits and has no suspension phase, which means that one hoof always remains on the ground. These stable movements make riding not only comfortable, but also back-friendly - ideal for riders of all ages.

What exactly is tölt? This particular gait is a clear four-beat rhythm: left back, left front, right back, right front. Horses that are proficient in tölt are called gaited horses and are often attributed to breeds such as Icelandic horses, Paso Finos or Tennessee walking horses. For 30 years, Grosdanoff has specialized in breeding tenters, a type of gaited horse created by backcrossing trotters and Icelandic horses. These special animals live in harmony with aurochs and are characterized by patience and sociability.

The fascination of gaited horses

Grosdanoff is not only a breeder, but also an enthusiastic historian of gaited horses. Historically, these horses were used as comfortable work animals in the Middle Ages. However, over time the focus shifted and the military wanted stronger trotters, which led to re-breeding. She has kept her breeding book over the years in order to record the special characteristics of her animals and to pursue her breeding goals.

Grosdanoff's riding style is entirely geared towards the needs and well-being of the horses. She does without a bridle or bit to enable painless and respectful collaboration. The priority here is to promote a harmonious relationship between humans and animals. It also offers guided rides through the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district.

Step by step to tölt

Training horses for the fascinating tölt gait is no easy undertaking. How often is it emphasized in the horse world that solid basic training is essential for a horse's later development? The first steps include getting used to different pieces of equipment, getting to know sounds and establishing trust with people. The tölt requires additional skills, such as good balance and a strong back. This makes it all the more important to have a talented rider who has the right seat and leads the horse appropriately.

The basic training should ideally take more than six weeks or, better, several months, although classical equestrian artists recommend two years for complete training. During this time the horse learns to listen to commands and move in different gaits. You can't progress fast enough in training - how often the basics that are crucial for successful riding later are skipped!

The tölt has become increasingly popular in the equestrian community in recent years. Both recreational riders and tournament guests appreciate the smooth movements and relaxed style of riding. In competitions, the tests are differentiated between Gæðingakeppni - where character and expression decide - and sports tests, in which technical details are evaluated.

In summary, whether you simply want to enjoy nature on a guided ride or take part in a competition - the world of tölt has something to offer for every rider!