
Basic Horse Gaits
Horses are athletic animals designed for movement, and most equestrians would agree that few things are more beautiful that a horse in motion. The following are examples of the most basic equine gaits. | Photo: Photos.com
Walk
The walk is a four-beat gait, which means each of the horse's four legs moves independently. This is a horse's slowest gait. | Photo: Photos.com
Trot
The trot is a two-beat gait, with the horse's legs moving in two diagonal pairs. For example, the right-front and left-hind are off the ground together, followed by the left-front and right-hind. For riders who post (move up and down with the trot), these two beats create the posting rhythm. | Photo: Photos.com
Jog
"Jog" is the western term for a trot. While often slower and smoother than a typical trot, the jog is still two beats. Western horses with steady, smooth jogs are prized for how easy their trots are to ride over long distances. | Photo: Photos.com
Canter
A horse's canter is a three-beat gait with the following foot-fall sequence: outside hind leg, inside hind leg/outside foreleg, and inside foreleg. The three beats are followed by a moment of suspension, when all four legs are off the ground. | Photo: Photos.com
Lope
Western riders use the term "lope" instead of "canter" for their slower version of the same gait. | Photo: Photos.com