Dec 10, 2020 · The 4 basic horse gaits are the walk, the trot, the canter, and the gallop. Read on to learn all you need to know about the basic gaits.

Horses who possess an ambling gait are usually also able to trot. The walk is a four-beat gait that averages about 7 kilometres per hour (4.3 mph). When walking, a horse's legs follow this sequence: left hind leg, left front leg, right hind leg, right front leg, in a regular 1-2-3-4 beat.

Trot. The trot is the next speed up from a walk. The trot is a two-beat, diagonal gait, meaning that the front leg is paired with the opposite hind. The right hind moves with the left front, and the left hind is paired with the right front.

Jun 9, 2021 · Horses have four basic gaits: the walk, trot, canter, and gallop. The speeds (and names) of these gaits vary depending on the discipline and horse. But in general, walking is the slowest gait and galloping is the fastest.

Nov 18, 2022 · The trot can be the most challenging gait to ride because some horses have a very rough trot. To learn to sit the trot, you should learn to relax completely in the saddle, settle your hips and shoulders and hold your weight in a balanced manner.

Dec 5, 2023 · Standard gaits in non-gaited breeds include the walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Most horses naturally perform these gaits. Backing up is also a natural movement for all equines. Each gait is defined by a characteristic rhythmic, repeated pattern of limb movements.

But in this article we will primarily discuss the walk, the trot, the canter, and finally the gallop. Each gait is differentiated by its specific footfalls (order of foot placement) and its beat (number of footfalls which occur before the pattern begins again.)

The walk is really a four-beat lateral stride. Every beat is actually unique and may end up being very easily noticed. The walk is actually natural, which is the slowest gait.

When riding the walk, you will feel your seat swing side to side. The trot is considered the horse’s “working gait” and is the gait at which they will cover ground most efficiently without easily tiring.

Dec 17, 2023 · Explore the basic gaits of a horse – walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Learn about their characteristics, footfall patterns, and variations. Gain a deeper understanding of horse movement.