Galopp

Galopp, or gallop, is the fastest natural gait of the horse and a number of other quadrupeds. It is a four-beat gait characterized by a powerful push from the hindquarters and a suspension phase in which all four hooves are momentarily off the ground. The exact sequence of footfalls depends on the lead, but the gait involves distinct beats and a long, extended stride as speed increases.

During a gallop, the horse typically uses a longer, more powerful propulsion from the hindlimbs, followed by the forelimbs. The four-beat footfall translates to each leg striking the ground in its own beat, with a brief airborne period between beats. The length of the suspension phase grows with speed. The “lead” (left or right) describes which forelimb leads the motion and is common when turning or changing direction.

Speeds for a gallop vary widely by breed and fitness, but most horses gallop at speeds roughly between 25 and 40 miles per hour, with top sprint speeds for some individuals exceeding 50 mph in short bursts. In practice, racehorses and other athletes may reach higher velocities for brief intervals.

In riding and equestrian disciplines, the gallop is used for fast travel, racing, and certain athletic activities such as jumping. Training emphasizes conditioning, balance, and coordination to maintain control at high speeds, with safety measures and appropriate equipment. The term is widely used in many languages, with galopp or gallop serving as the standard designation for this gait.