I get to add my "OOOooo he's handsome!" too!
I don't know tons about gaited horses, but learning to go relaxed and round is good for all horses. Once the trust is there (which looks like it's already in place) and you can begin to shape him toward rounding his body as you ride, then whether he trots or gaits doesn't really matter...it is, after all, about what is natural for your individual horse.
I was at a saddlebred show once, and all the horses were high headed and inverted and all of them were bug eyed and nervous...all except one. He actually moved collected, with a softly rounded neck and haunches engaged, normal hooves, calm and fluid...he was BREATHTAKING. Even the judges were impressed as he did quite well in the show. I hope so many others at that show took note. So it was obviously an owner who took the time to teach him to round himself and protect his back and let him be so natural...it was just lovely. Now I know they aren't gaited, but all the same...this one owner bucked the trend and went natural. It was fantastic to see.
I do hope we hear a lot from you! We can all learn something more about gaited horses!
Glad you found us! WELCOME!