I have a 7-year-old Rocky Mountain mare. She is my first, and at present, only Rocky. The trouble is this; I'm not sure exactly how to ride a Rocky i.e.: I can't "sit on my laurels" when riding.

I ride an Australian saddle with what is essentially English form. Her gait is somewhat rough to me.. It looks smooth to other people when I ride, but it doesn’t' t feel like a glide to me when riding. I tried her with a snaffle-mouth kimberwicke bit. She is fairly responsive with this mild of a bit. Her former owners rode her with an egg-butt snaffle. I keep contact with her mouth when riding (more due to her propensity for speeding up with any slack, especially when ridden alone) but sometimes at a (rare) relaxed walk, I give her totally slack reins. She tucks her head well when moving at the trot/pace (gait?), but I have to work somewhat at sitting it. I have felt what I know to be her (a) true gait for short 10-12 step spells back when I first got her about 10 months ago.

Another rocky owner suggests putting her in a walking horse bit regardless of whether she needs the curb for control or not. I have bought a loose ring "lifesaver" bit (snaffle mouth piece with an "O" ring connecting the two bit halveshich has @ a 5-6 inch shank, which I've tried once). She did OK, but I don't like to use a heavier bit than what I need. She doesn't have a problem setting her head. Also, I've noticed lately that she is beginning to trot while free in the pasture instead of gaiting at liberty like she used to. She is kept with @ 20 other horses; mostly Arabians, QH's and a few paints.

In our south Texas town, she is one of only 2 Rockies within a 4-hour drive radius. The other is known to me, but does not live nearby. Which brings me to my next question: Due to the uniqueness of the breed in our area, my farrier is not familiar with the intricate details of shoeing Rockies. I've been told to put more weight in the back to increase her reach, but my farrier says this puts extra strain on the suspensory ligaments and he doesn't recommend it unless for show purposes. Currently she has half-round shoes on the front and goes barefoot in the back. Any suggestions?