Starting my 2 yr old Mountain Horse

Question
I have a 2 yr old double registered(at least he will be once he's certified under saddle)Rocky/Kentucky Mountain Horse.  He is by far the orneriest creature on the farm, but I love him.  We have just recently begun intensive training, to prepare him for going under saddle.  Lots of lunging, bit n rigs, ground work, etc...  Recently I have noticed that he seems to be lazy with his back feet.  I don't know how much you know about Mountain Horses, but he should have an even lateral 4 beat amble.  In the front he doesn't show outstanding lift, but it is completely ok, he's still young.  When I am lunging him I can see twice the amount of dust being kicked up as in the front.  I do realize there is going to be a certain amount of this because every horse moves differently.  It will be dangerous later, however, if I take him on the trail and he doesn't pick his feet up.  Do you think this is something he will grow out of on his own?  I wonder if shoes would help?  I plan to have him shod in the spring, once I've had the vet check him and gotten the final ok to start him.  I really don't want to, and one is not supposed to need to use aids with Mountain Horses because it's a natural gait, but should I consider a very light weight on his feet?  I will show him a bit, because his conformation is perfect for the breed, but mostly I am just worried about our safety on future trail rides.  What do you think?

Answer
Hi Jennifer!

This is not a training question so much as you are asking for an outside opinion.  I do know gaited horses and have worked with all types.  

I cannot diagnose from just a verbal description, obviously.  But, even if the horse was right in front of me I would say the same thing.  This is for the vet and farrier to decide.  The ideal situation would be to make an appointment for the vet to come out and have your farrier there at the same time.  Have them both watch the horse go and longe him for them too.

This could be a stifle issue or something as simple as corrective shoeing could be the answer.  It could be just the way he moves and while it can be tweaked, it may just never be exactly what you want.

As for whether this is a safety issue for when you ride him later, I cannot say.  Again, the vet and farrier need to tell you that and of course, growing up and out sometimes helps.

I have found though, that a gaited horse does it free and naturally in the pasture as a baby pretty much the same way he will do it for the rest of his life.  Sometimes we want to see more than it really is and put artificial training on them to attempt to improve on nature.

In the end though, only the safety and best possible care for a young horse is all that matters.  You have great concern for him and are trying your best to put his hooves on the right road  :-)  Have your vet and farrier out and see what they say.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange