The Five-gaited Saddle Horse

The walk is foundation of all gaits. Five-gaited horses can be identified by long tail and derby hat worn by rider.

The trot is a two-beat gait suitable to all road conditions. Horse's legs work in diagonal pairs.

The slow gait is hardest for horse, most comfortable for rider. A four-beat gait, it is done at ambling pace.

The rack is tour-beat gait done at speed. It is an acquired step and is difficult for a horse to do.

The canter is three-beat rolling gait, shows horse at its majestic best. It is performed under restraint.