gallop

Gallop is the fastest natural gait of horses and many other quadrupeds. It is a four-beat gait followed by a period of suspension in which all four feet are off the ground. The gait increases speed and propulsion compared with walking, trotting, and cantering, and is commonly used in racing, sprinting, and rapid locomotion.

The term derives from the French galop, which in turn reflects the historical riding culture of Europe.

Mechanics of the gait involve a four-beat sequence in which the hind limbs push off to propel the body forward and the forelimbs strike the ground in sequence to bear weight. The hind limbs typically lead the motion, and the forelimbs reach forward to complete the step. A notable feature is the suspension phase, during which the horse is airborne for a short interval. The gallop can be performed with different leads (left or right) and may include changes of lead during a sprint, known as lead changes.

Variations and applications: In training, differing leads and the length of the stride are developed for performance in racing, eventing, and other disciplines. The ability to extend the gallop and maintain balance is a key measure of fitness and technique. In harness or work contexts, gait selection for a horse or pony can influence performance and scoring.

The term gallop is used more broadly to describe the rapid running style of many quadrupeds, not just horses. While the basic concept remains a fast, four-beat gait with a suspension phase, the precise footfall patterns can vary among species.

In common usage, gallop can also function as a verb meaning to run at full speed.