Gangarten

Gangarten, or gaits, is a term used to describe the characteristic patterns of limb movement and footfall that animals use when moving. In quadrupeds such as horses, gaits are defined by the order and rhythm of footfalls, the speed, and whether there is a moment of suspension between beats. The concept is used in zoology, veterinary medicine, and equestrian contexts to distinguish natural gaits from movements produced or enhanced by training.

The standard gaits in many horses are the walk, trot, canter, and gallop. The walk (Schritt) is a slow, four-beat gait with each foot striking the ground in sequence. The trot (Trab) is a two-beat gait, typically with a suspension between the beats as diagonal pairs move together. The canter (Kanter or Canter) is a three-beat gait with a single suspension, while the gallop is a faster, four-beat gait with a longer suspension. These four gaits are commonly taught and assessed in riding disciplines.

Beyond these, many breeds display ambling or lateral gaits that are smoother for riders. The tölt is a four-beat lateral gait practiced by Icelandic horses and other mountain breeds; the rack is a brisk four-beat gait found in some horses; the running walk and other paso gaits (such as paso llano) are valued for their very smooth ride. The pace is a two-beat lateral gait seen in certain breeds but less common in typical riding horses.

Understanding Gangarten aids in breed selection, training, and rider technique. Some horses are described as gaited because they perform one or more additional gaits beyond the standard walk, trot, and canter, providing varied rhythm and ride quality.