GAITS OF HORSES 2001…D. Karen Hansen, PhD 2007…Stephen R. Schafer, EdD University of Wyoming

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Gaits n Gait = Way of Going n Gait = Horse’s manner of moving its legs during progression n Horse is unique among other animals because it has many gaits

Basis For Determining The Gait n Footfall sequence n Beat n Stride n Suspension

Walk n Mother or basis or foundation of all gaits n Walk = 4-beat gait that is slow n LH (1) - LF(2) - RH (3) - RF (4) n There is no suspension phase n At least 2 feet are always on the ground

Walk Source: Ultimate Horse Website

Rack n The Rack is actually a modified walk or exaggerated walk in which flexion is key to the movement n Since it is a walk, it is a 4-beat gait. n Also known as the singlefoot n Used by American Saddlebreds and Racking Horses n Very smooth for the rider n Can be fast

Rack Source: Unknown

Rack

Rack

Rack

Rack

Back n Reverse, the horse is moving backwards n Back = 2-beat diagonal gait that is moving in reverse….at a slow speed.

Trot/Jog n English = Trot…..Western = Trot or Jog n Two-beat diagonal gait, faster than walk n Sometimes called an intermediate gait n Has a suspension phase n LHRF (1) - suspension RHLF (2)

Trot/Jog Source: Ultimate Horse Website

Trot/Jog

Trot/Jog Source: Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Trot (piaffe) Source: Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Pace n Pace = 2-beat lateral gait, faster than walk n Pace has a suspension phase n LHLF (1) – suspension RHRF (2) n Unique to certain horses

Pace Source: Muybridge

Canter/Lope n Canter (English Term) & Lope (Western Term) are the same gait n Canter/lope = 3-beat gait with a “lead” and a suspension phase n Speeds may vary depending on horse, but usually faster than trot n Left lead: –RH(1) - LHRF (2) - LF (3) suspension

Canter/Lope Source: Ultimate Horse Website

Canter/Lope Source: Muybridge

Canter/Lope (left lead) Source/Rider/Horse: Zena

Canter/Lope (right lead) Source/Rider/Horse: Zena

Canter/Lope (both leads) Source/Rider/Horse: Karen

Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (left lead) Source/Rider/Horse: Unknown

Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (right lead) Source/Rider/Horse: Unknown

Combo-Walk, Trot/Jog, & Canter/Lope Source/Rider/Horse: Shiraz

Gallop n The gallop or “run” is the horse’s fastest gait n It is a 4-beat gait with a suspension phase and a lead n The “hand gallop” is used in showing n Left lead: –RH(1) LH(2) RF(3) LF (4) suspension

Gallop Source: Ultimate Horse Website

Gallop Source: Muybridge

Gait Defects n Usually involves the hitting of a leg or foot by another leg or foot (the moving leg or foot) »Forging »Overreaching »Gait defects can also tell us about lameness

Gaits---Summary n Gait = Way of Going n Gait = Footfall sequence n Gait = How beats form to make stride