Knowra Horse gait Horse gait Horse gait is the pattern and timing of a horse’s footfalls and body movement during locomotion. Gaits differ in sequence, rhythm, speed, and whether one or more feet leave the ground together.
Walk (gait) : A four-beat gait in which a horse moves each leg in sequence, with at least two feet on the ground. Its steady four-beat sequence is the basic slow gait.
Equine locomotion : The movement of horses produced by coordinated action of their limbs and body. Horse gait is a patterned form of equine locomotion.
Dressage : An equestrian discipline in which horse and rider perform prescribed movements with precision and control. Dressage tests the quality and transitions of several gaits.
Pacing (gait) : A two-beat gait in which a horse moves the legs on the same side together. Unlike the trot’s diagonal pairs, the pace pairs same-side legs.
Trot : A two-beat gait in which diagonal pairs of a horse’s legs move together, usually with a brief suspension phase. Diagonal limb pairing produces the characteristic two-beat rhythm.
Horse anatomy : The structure of a horse’s body, including its skeleton, muscles, and joints. Limb structure constrains the footfall patterns horses can produce.
Equine lameness : A clinical condition in which pain or impaired movement causes a horse to move abnormally. Changes in gait can reveal pain or impaired limb function.
Ambling gait : A group of smooth intermediate horse gaits with distinct footfall patterns, often performed without suspension. Ambling gaits differ from the familiar walk, trot, and canter sequence.
Canter : A three-beat gait with a leading foreleg and a moment of suspension, usually slower than a gallop. Its three beats and leading leg distinguish it from the trot.
Equine biomechanics : The study of forces and movement in horses, especially during locomotion. It relates gait patterns to joint motion, force, and balance.
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