Great news! Gabe passed the vet check with flying colors!  I am very excited to know for sure that he is healthy and structurally sound.  The vet believes his cross-cantering issue is a conditioning issue, which makes complete sense given his background.  I love the diagnoses that have a fix! :)

The cure: long trail rides, even if they are just at the walk.  So, I will pick back up with ponying him off my big grey gelding and enjoy the long jaunts.