Horses and Horsemanship - Gaits of the Horse

A gait is a particular way a horse moves and is characterized by the rhythm of their feet and legs

• True

• False

Why is it important to understand gaits?

• To detect lameness

• To train a performance horse

• To use a horse for a specific purpose

• All of the Above

Which of the following are considered basic NATURAL gaits that the horse can do without extra training?

• Walk

• Trot (Jog)

• Pace

• Canter (Lope)

Which of the following are considered artificial gaits that the horse doesn't naturally know?

• Slow Gait

• Rack

• Trot

• Canter

What gait is a slow, natural flat footed, four beat gait. Right Front, Left Rear, Left Front, Right Rear

• Trot

• Rack

• Walk

• Pace

It is important for horses to have a short stride. Short strided horses cover more ground and absorb less road shock.

• True

• False

Which gait is a rapid two beat diagonal gait. The front foot on one side and the rear foot on the opposite side hit the ground at the same time.

• Canter

• Lope

• Rack

• Trot

What is the western term for a trot?

Which gait is an easy rhythmical 3 beat gait that has either a left or a right lead. Right Lead - Left Hind, Right Hind and Left Front at the same time, Right Hind

• Gallop

• Walk

• Trot

• Canter

In a show ring, what side of the ring should the leading foot of a canter be on?

• Inside

• Outside