| WALK |
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A free, regular and unconstrained walk of moderate extension is ideal. The animal should walk energetically but calmly with even and determined steps: 4-beat gait. |
| TROT |
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A two-beat diagonal gait |
| SLOW TROT |
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A slow, balanced trot on a lighter rein, where the animal’s step is shorter and lighter than in faster gaits. Animal should show willingness to be driven on the bit while maintaining a steady cadence. |
| WORKING TROT |
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Pace between slow and strong trot, animal more rounded than in a strong trot. Animals go forward freely and straight while remaining balanced and unconstrained on a taut but light rein.
Steps as even as possible with the hind feet touching the ground in footprints of the fore feet. Gait shows animals’ suppleness and balance. |
| STRONG TROT |
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Clear but not excessive increase in speed with lengthening of stride and maintenance of balance. Light contact with lateral flexion on turns should occur. Excessive speed is penalized.
Call for gait is “TROT ON”
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| HALT |
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Turnout brought to a complete square stop without veering or abruptness. At halt, the animal is to remain attentive, motionless and straight with weight evenly on all four legs.
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| REIN BACK |
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Backward movement where legs raised and set down simultaneously in diagonal pairs with hind legs in line. Back at least four steps with quiet aids, head flexed and straight, pushing back in a straight line.
After back, the animal will then move forward willingly to the former position and perform a halt.
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| CANTER |
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A controlled three-beat gait where three evenly spaced footfalls with a “suspension” phase when all four feet off the
ground.
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| GALLOP |
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A four-beat gait that is faster than a canter.
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| STRIDE |
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Cycle of movements that is completed when horse’s limbs return to their original position.
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