Basic Gaits of the Horse

The Three Basic Gaits at a Glance

In equestrian sport, the gaits of the horse are an essential element that every rider should understand and master. These basic movements - walk, trot and canter - form the basis for all other disciplines. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, a sound understanding of these gaits is crucial.

Step

The walk is the calmest of the horse's gaits and forms the basis of all horsemanship. A correct walk is a clear four-beat gait without a suspension phase. The sequence of feet in the horse's walk is described by the phrase "equilateral, but not simultaneous": The legs on one side are placed one after the other. The hind hooves should at least step into the track of the front hooves, ideally beyond it.

A particularly long stride, where the hind hooves reach well beyond the front hooves, can be problematic. A slow hind leg makes turns such as short turns or walk pirouettes more difficult. That is why diligence in the walk is crucial. To improve the walk, calm rides on a long rein and targeted gymnastics are helpful.

Trot

The trot is a medium-fast, dynamic gait. Here the horse moves in a two-beat footfall sequence with four phases, including the hover phase. The diagonal pairs of legs (e.g. left front and right rear) move synchronously while the horse moves in a floating motion. As in the walk, the hind hoof steps into the track of the front hoof.

Forms of the Trot

The trot is divided into different forms depending on the degree of collection and speed:

• Working trot: Full of verve and pure in rhythm with diligent forward movement.
• Medium trot: More ground coverage and frame extension, hind hooves slightly over the track of the front hooves.
• Strong trot: Maximum frame extension and forward thrust, the hind hooves step clearly over the front hooves.
• Collected trot: Short strides with increased lift of the hindquarters under the center of gravity. No suspension phase.

The trot plays a central role in dressage in particular. The "trot on the spot", also known as the piaffe, and the passage, an elevated gait with extended suspension phases, require maximum control and collection.

Special Features and Use

• In Western riding, the slow jog without a suspension phase is preferred, ideal for long rides.
• Specially bred trotters are used in trotting races.

Gallop 

The canter, the fastest of the horse's gaits, is a jumping movement in three-beat time. The sequence of feet in the horse's canter varies depending on the hand:

• In right canter: left behind - right behind and left in front (almost simultaneously) - right in front - hover phase.
• In left-hand gallop: reverse analog.

Forms of the Canter

The canter is also subdivided according to speed and collection:

• Working canter: Regulated three-beat gait with a slight upward tendency.
• Medium canter: Longer jumps, more scope, but no increase in speed.
• Strong canter: Maximum frame extension and impulsion, required in dressage from medium (M) level upwards.
• Collected canter: Shortened jumps, increased load on the hindquarters under the center of gravity.

Special Features and Use

In Western riding, the gentle lope is preferred, ideal for long distances. The fast racing or hunting canter, in which speeds of up to 70 km/h are reached, is mainly shown in gallop races. The flying canter change à tempo is one of the most demanding lessons.

Problems and sources of error

• Cross canter: The horse canters on different hands in front and behind, which is often caused by poor balance or misunderstandings between rider and horse.
• Blocking rein hands interfere with the canter movement. The inside hand should give way when cantering to allow the forehand freedom.

Problems and Bources of Error When Riding the Basic Gaits

➡️ Video tip: The gaits of the horse - Walk, trot and canter are basic movement patterns that should not only be performed correctly, but also actively encouraged. Mistakes and irregularities in the rhythm can be caused by both the horse and the rider. In the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy, Christoph Hess explains how these problems can be recognized and corrected.

In Step

The horse's walk is a four-beat gait with an even footfall sequence: first the left hind leg, then the left front leg, followed by the right hind leg and finally the right front leg. Errors such as beat imprecision or pass-like movements disrupt this natural sequence of movements.

Causes of imprecision in the horse's gait:

1. Nervousness: An overzealous horse tends to bite.
2. Rider error: A rigid or backward hand blocks the horse's movements.
3. Lack of gymnastic training: An unbalanced horse often shows problems at the walk.

Solutions:

• Long cross-country rides on the reins can help to improve the stride.
• Regular gymnastic training in all three gaits ensures better balance and a rhythmic stride.
• The rider should sit quietly and upright, with a supple hand that follows the nodding movement of the horse.

On the Trot

The horse's trot is a two-beat gait in which one diagonal pair of legs moves simultaneously - e.g. the right front leg with the left hind leg. A correct trot is characterized by an even beat, diligence and a swinging back.

Trotting challenges:

• Lack of spatial grip: Instead of gaining space, the pace is accelerated by hasty driving.
• Poor suppleness: A tight or stiff back leads to tension.
• Rider's seat: Mistakes such as "surfing" - leaning back strongly - disrupt harmony and block movement.

Solutions:

• Trotting on the spot: loosening exercises such as changes of pace and lateral movements improve balance and suppleness.
• Medium trot: Here the rhythm remains the same, but the scope is increased through increased activity of the hindquarters. Important: The reinforcement should not be achieved through haphazard driving, but from a good upright position and collection.
• Optimize the rider's seat: The rider must sit supple and follow the horse's back harmoniously.

At a Gallop

The horse's canter is a three-beat gait with the following footfall sequence in canter:

1. Outer hind leg
2. Diagonal pair of legs (inner hind leg and outer front leg)
3. Inner foreleg
4. Floating phase

Challenges at a gallop:

• Cross canter: The horse canters on different hands in front and behind. This feels bumpy and indicates balance problems or misunderstandings.
• Preload: Horses that walk too much on the forehand put excessive strain on their front legs.
• Blocked movements: Pulling on the inside rein can hinder the free canter jump.

Solutions:

• Regular hand changes at the canter avoid one-sided strain.
• If the horse repeatedly canters incorrectly, a slight outside position can help the inside front leg to reach forward correctly.
• An independent rider's seat and a soft inside hand promote uprightness and suppleness.

Clock impurities and their causes

Imbalances in rhythm can occur at any gait and have different causes. Targeted gymnastic training helps with nervous or unbalanced horses. The rider should also pay attention to a supple seat and fine aids.

The horse's gaits - walk, trot and canter - are the basis for harmonious and healthy cooperation between rider and horse. A correctly executed walk with an even footfall, a swinging trot and a free, upright canter create optimal conditions for equestrian sport at any level.

Basic gaits: Summarized

The basic gaits - walk, trot and canter - are essential building blocks in equestrian sport and characterize the cooperation between rider and horse. An in-depth understanding and targeted support of these movements are essential for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Each gait has its own special features: The walk requires diligence and precision in the footwork, the trot impresses with its dynamism and versatility, and the canter combines power with elegance. Sources of error such as imprecise rhythm, balance problems or insufficient suppleness can be remedied through targeted gymnastics, a supple seat for the rider and finely tuned aids.

The harmonious interaction of horse and rider in the basic gaits forms the basis for higher lessons and disciplines. Only through continuous work and careful correction can a healthy, tactful movement be promoted that is enjoyable for both horse and rider. A good rider recognizes the subtleties and challenges of each gait and works on progress with patience and respect - for a sustainable and harmonious partnership.

Basic gaits: The most important questions and answers

Which horses master the gaits tölt and pass?

‍Islandhorses are known for their additional gaits tölt and pass. Some other breeds such as Paso Peruanos or Tennessee Walking Horses can also show tölt or similar gaits.

How do you change from walk to trot on a horse?

‍Tochange from walk to trot, the rider gives a clear driving aid with the thighs. At the same time, the hand remains calm so as not to block the horse, and the seat supports the transition by straightening slightly.

What gaits can an Icelandic horse do?

‍OneIcelandic horse masters three, four or five gaits depending on its disposition: walk, trot, canter, tölt and pass.

What gaits does a 5-gaited horse have?

‍A5-gaited horse like the Icelandic horse can walk, trot, canter, tölt and pass.

Which horse runs tölt?

‍Firstand foremost Icelandic horses run tölt. Paso Fino, Paso Peruano and some other gaited horse breeds are also known for this gait.

Horse gait crossword puzzle 7 letters

‍Theanswer you are looking for could be gallop or passart, depending on the context of the puzzle.

Trot on the spot equestrian puzzle

‍Theanswer is piaffe, a highly collected dressage lesson in which the horse trots almost on the spot.