GAITS OF HORSES

GAITS OF HORSESGAITS OF HORSES

2001…D. Karen Hansen, PhD2001…D. Karen Hansen, PhD2007…Stephen R. Schafer, EdD2007…Stephen R. Schafer, EdD

University of WyomingUniversity of Wyoming

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GaitsGaits

Gait = Way of GoingGait = Way of Going

Gait = Horse’s manner of moving its legs Gait = Horse’s manner of moving its legs during progressionduring progression

Horse is unique among other animals Horse is unique among other animals because it has many gaitsbecause it has many gaits

Basis For Determining The GaitBasis For Determining The Gait

Footfall sequenceFootfall sequence

BeatBeat

StrideStride

SuspensionSuspension

WalkWalk

Mother or basis or foundation of all gaits Mother or basis or foundation of all gaits

Walk = 4-beat gait that is slowWalk = 4-beat gait that is slow

LH (1) - LF(2) - RH (3) - RF (4)LH (1) - LF(2) - RH (3) - RF (4)

There is no suspension phaseThere is no suspension phase

At least 2 feet are always on the groundAt least 2 feet are always on the ground

WalkWalk

Source: Ultimate Horse WebsiteSource: Ultimate Horse Website

RackRack

The Rack is actually a modified walk or exaggerated The Rack is actually a modified walk or exaggerated walk in which flexion is key to the movementwalk in which flexion is key to the movement

Since it is a walk, it is a 4-beat gait. Since it is a walk, it is a 4-beat gait.

Also known as the singlefootAlso known as the singlefoot

Used by American Saddlebreds and Racking HorsesUsed by American Saddlebreds and Racking Horses

Very smooth for the riderVery smooth for the rider

Can be fastCan be fast

RackRack

Source: UnknownSource: Unknown

BackBack

Reverse, the horse is moving backwardsReverse, the horse is moving backwards

Back = 2-beat diagonal gait that is moving Back = 2-beat diagonal gait that is moving in reverse….at a slow speed.in reverse….at a slow speed.

Trot/JogTrot/Jog

English = Trot…..Western = Trot or JogEnglish = Trot…..Western = Trot or Jog

Two-beat diagonal gait, faster than walkTwo-beat diagonal gait, faster than walk

Sometimes called an intermediate gait Sometimes called an intermediate gait

Has a suspension phaseHas a suspension phase

LHRF (1) - suspension RHLF (2)LHRF (1) - suspension RHLF (2)

Trot/JogTrot/Jog


Trot/JogTrot/Jog

Source: Wikipedia EncyclopediaSource: Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Trot (piaffe)Trot (piaffe)

Source: Wikipedia EncyclopediaSource: Wikipedia Encyclopedia

PacePace

Pace = 2-beat lateral gait, faster than walk Pace = 2-beat lateral gait, faster than walk

Pace has a suspension phasePace has a suspension phase

LHLF (1) – suspension RHRF (2)LHLF (1) – suspension RHRF (2)

Unique to certain horsesUnique to certain horses

PacePace

Source: MuybridgeSource: Muybridge

Canter/LopeCanter/Lope

Canter (English Term) & Lope (Western Term) Canter (English Term) & Lope (Western Term) are the same gaitare the same gait

Canter/lope = 3-beat gait with a “lead” and a Canter/lope = 3-beat gait with a “lead” and a suspension phasesuspension phase

Speeds may vary depending on horse, but usually Speeds may vary depending on horse, but usually faster than trotfaster than trot

Left lead:Left lead:– RH(1) - LHRF (2) - LF (3) suspensionRH(1) - LHRF (2) - LF (3) suspension

Canter/Lope (left lead)Canter/Lope (left lead)

Source/Rider/Horse: ZenaSource/Rider/Horse: Zena

Canter/Lope (right lead)Canter/Lope (right lead)

Source/Rider/Horse: ZenaSource/Rider/Horse: Zena

Canter/Lope (both leads)Canter/Lope (both leads)

Source/Rider/Horse: KarenSource/Rider/Horse: Karen

Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (left lead)Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (left lead)

Source/Rider/Horse: UnknownSource/Rider/Horse: Unknown

Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (right lead)Trot/Jog & Canter/Lope (right lead)

Source/Rider/Horse: UnknownSource/Rider/Horse: Unknown

Combo-Walk, Trot/Jog, & Canter/LopeCombo-Walk, Trot/Jog, & Canter/Lope

Source/Rider/Horse: ShirazSource/Rider/Horse: Shiraz

Gallop Gallop

The gallop or “run” is the horse’s fastest The gallop or “run” is the horse’s fastest gaitgait

It is a 4-beat gait with a suspension phase It is a 4-beat gait with a suspension phase and a leadand a lead

The “hand gallop” is used in showingThe “hand gallop” is used in showing

Left lead:Left lead:– RH(1) LH(2) RF(3) LF (4) suspensionRH(1) LH(2) RF(3) LF (4) suspension

Gallop Gallop


Gait DefectsGait Defects

Usually involves the hitting of a leg or foot Usually involves the hitting of a leg or foot by another leg or foot (the moving leg or by another leg or foot (the moving leg or foot)foot)

» ForgingForging» OverreachingOverreaching» Gait defects can also tell us about lamenessGait defects can also tell us about lameness

Gaits---SummaryGaits---Summary

Gait = Way of GoingGait = Way of Going

Gait = Footfall sequenceGait = Footfall sequence

Gait = How beats form to make strideGait = How beats form to make stride

GAITS OF HORSES

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