| Gait Terminology |
| *Natural Gaits: those that are performed by a horse instinctively and without training. (Walk, trot, gallop, and in some, the pace). *Acquired Gaits: those which result form special training (rack, slow gait). *Diagonal Gait: one in which the legs move in diagonal pairs (trot). *Lateral Gait: on in which the legs move in lateral pairs (pace). *Free-Going: a term applied when the gaits are performed in an effortless manner. *Laboring Action: the term used when a horse's efforts on the move are obviously excessive. *Easy Gaited: the term applied when the rider's reactions to the various gaits are pleasant and enjoyable. *Hard Gaited: the term applied when the stride lacks spring and when the rider's reactions to the various gaits tire him quickly. *High-Gaited: the term applied to the action when a horse folds his knees, flexes his hocks, and raises his feet high from the ground. |