tölteteit

Töltinget is a type of gait observed in horses and ponies, particularly among the Haflinger breed. It is characterized by a unique, rocking motion of the horse's hindquarters, which are lifted high off the ground and then quickly dropped. This motion is accompanied by a slight pause, during which the horse's weight is shifted onto the forelegs, before the hindquarters are lifted again.

Töltinget is a high-speed gait, typically occurring between 10 and 14 miles per hour. It is said to be a result of a horse's natural desire to conserve energy while still achieving a high speed. The gait is most commonly observed in well-trained Haflingers, which have been selectively bred for their ability to perform tölt.

The tölt has been observed in horses of varying sizes and breeds, although it is more common among smaller breeds such as ponies. When performed correctly, the tölt is a smooth, comfortable gait that provides a seamless transition between the horse's walk and canter. It is a highly prized gait among equestrians, particularly those with a focus on speed and agility.

In some English-speaking countries, the tölt has been referred to as the "running walk" or "speed walk." However, this nomenclature is not universally agreed upon and is not commonly used by equestrians familiar with the gait. Töltinget remains a unique and distinctly different gait from the running walk, with its characteristic rocking motion and tempo.