Equine Sciences Extension Program
Horse Locomotion - Gallop
Table of Contents
Characteristics
- 4-beat gait.
- Fastest gait of horse (12-20 mph).
- Similar to canter (lope), but the paired diagonals do not land at the same time - extended to two beats: hind foot hits before the diagonal front foot.
- Has right or left lead depending on direction of travel.
- Period of suspension is after last front foot leaves ground.
Sequence of steps will change depending on lead — race horses will change leads during race to shift weight and decrease fatigue on leading foreleg.
Natural gait to all breeds.
- Thoroughbred has been bred for his speed at this gait.
- Faster race horses found to spend a shorter period of time in the stance phase of this gait; less time with feet on the ground (See figures below).
