Transcript Equine Breeds

Equine Breeds
Equine Science & Technology
Equine Gaits
A gait is a particular way of going, either natural or acquired
which is characterized by a distinctive rhythmic movement
of the feet and legs.
Walk
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A natural slow, flat footed, four beat gait.
It should be springy, regular, and true.
Walk Video
Equine Gaits
Trot
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A natural two-beat, diagonal gait in which the front foot
and the opposite hind foot take off at the same split second
and strike the ground simultaneously.
There is a brief moment when all four feet are off the
ground and the horse seemingly floats through the air.
This gait varies considerably according to breed and
training.
Sitting Trotting Video
Rising Trot Video
Equine Gaits
Canter (Lope)
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The canter is a slow, restrained, three-beat gait in which the
two diagonal legs are paired, thereby producing a single
beat that falls between the successive beats of the other
unpaired legs.
In the show-ring the lead should be toward the inside of the
ring. Thus when traveling to the left, the front leg should
lead (the horse is on the “left lead”).
Right Canter Video
Left Canter Video
Equine Gaits
Run (Gallop)
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The run or gallop is a fast, four beat gait in which the feet
strike the ground separately- first one hind foot; then the
other hind foot; then the front foot on the same side as the
first hind foot; then the other front foot, which decided the
lead.
In executing the gallop, the propulsion is chiefly in the
hindquarters.
Run (Gallop) Video
Equine Gaits
Pace
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The pace is a fast, lateral two-beat gait in which the front
and hind feet on the same side start and stop
simultaneously.
The feet rise very little above the ground.
The pace is faster than the trot but not so fast as the run or
gallop.
Pace Video
Amazingly fast racking Video
Equine Gaits
Movement Defects
The feet of an animal should move straight ahead and parallel
to a centerline drawn in the direction of travel; any
deviations from this way of going constitute defects.
Forging
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The striking of the forefoot by the toe of the hind foot.
Equine Gaits
Movement Defects
Paddling
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Throwing the front feet outward as they are picked up.
This condition is predisposed in horses with toe-narrow or
pigeon-toed standing positions.
Equine Gaits
Pounding
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A condition in which there is a heavy contact with the
ground in contrast to the desired light, springy movement.
Defects in conformation that shift the horse’s center of
gravity can lead to pounding.
Rolling
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Excessive lateral shoulder motion, characteristic of horses
with protruding shoulders.