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Gait
Gait is the repetitive limb coordination pattern used in locomotion.
Asymmetrical gait - gait in which the limb movements on one side are not exactly repeated on the other side. Example: Canter, Gallop Symmetrical gait - gait in which limb movements on one side are repeated on the opposite side half a stride later. Example: trot, pace Stance Phase - when at least one foot is in contact with the ground. Swing Phase - when the hoof is lifted and brought forward. Suspension Phase - when no hooves are on the ground. Overlap Time - the longer the limbs are off the ground (stride suspension phase) relative to the time on the ground (stride stance phase) the smaller the overlap. Walk - 4 beats symmetrical gait Trot - 2 beat diagonal symmetrical gait Pace - 2 beat lateral symmetrical gait Canter - 3 beat asymmetrical gait Gallop - 4 beat asymmetrical gait Running Walk - 4 beat gait characteristic of Tennessee Walking Horse Paso Fino - slowest 4 beat gait of the Paso Fino Paso Corto - medium speed 4 beat gait of the Paso Fino Paso Largo - fastest 4 beat gait of the Paso Fino Slow Gait - slow 4 beat gait performed by the American Saddlebred. Very tiring gait for the horse and somewhat rough to ride. Rack - fastest 4 beat gait performed by the American Saddlebred. Very smooth gait to ride.
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