Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Gaited horses are horse breeds that have selective breeding for natural gaited tendencies, that is, the ability to perform one of the smooth-to-ride, intermediate speed, four-beat horse gaits, collectively referred to as ambling gaits. [1] In most "gaited" breeds, an ambling gait is a hereditary trait.
The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited light horse breed dating back to horses imported to the Caribbean from Spain. Pasos are prized for their smooth, natural, four-beat, lateral ambling gait; they are used in many disciplines, but are especially popular for trail riding.
Main page; Contents; Current events; Random article; About Wikipedia; Contact us; Pages for logged out editors learn more
The ability to perform an ambling gait or to pace appears to be due to a specific genetic mutation. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Some horses are able to both trot and perform an ambling gait, but many can only do one or the other, [ 3 ] thus five-gaited ability is not particularly common in the horse world.
When walking, a horse's legs follow this sequence: left hind leg, left front leg, right hind leg, right front leg, in a regular 1-2-3-4 beat. At the walk, the horse will alternate between having three or two feet on the ground. A horse moves its head and neck in a slight up and down motion that helps maintain balance. [6]
More than thirty horse breeds are "gaited", able to perform a four-beat ambling gait; some can also trot. [4] A Missouri Fox Trotter, with rider, can maintain a speed of 5 to 8 miles per hour (8.0 to 12.9 km/h) while using the fox trot, and can cover short distances at up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h). [ 6 ]
More than thirty horse breeds are "gaited," able to perform a four-beat ambling gait, and some can also trot. [8] Thus, a Rocky Mountain Horse, with rider, can use the single-foot to cover rough ground at around 7 miles per hour (11 km/h) and short stretches of smooth ground at up to 16 miles per hour (26 km/h). [ 3 ]
The Virginia Highlander is a small breed of horse with a four-beat ambling gait. It stands between 13 and 14 hands (52 and 56 inches, 132 and 142 cm) high. Coat colors include roan, chestnut, black and gray, and the occasional white. Breed characteristics include a good temperament and a natural singlefoot gait.