Well, I’ve never really lunged Hope to speak of (or any of mine for that matter), but when I did, she trotted, and she trots when she’s just out running around the pasture. The only time I’ve ever really seen her gait is under saddle, so you really shouldn’t have a problem with the judges at all.
And as far as running barrels and placing... I kinda doubt it. It may feel fast when you’re out on a trail, but it’s nothing when compared to the wide-ass-open gallop that I’ve seen most of those people do them at. It might be good for novelty value though. Now I have heard of people doing Team Penning on gaited horses. Never seen it, but I’ve heard of it.
Ok then, I didn’t know if lunging her at the trot would mess up her gait.
Becky