Gaits (Definition/Description) Flashcards
Load stage
The body moves over the foot on the ground, resulting in increased weight/stress on the foot.
Trot - beat sequence
Simultaneous near hind & off fore: suspension: simultaneous off hind & near fore.
Proprioception
The sense a horse has in the placement of its feet without actually being able to physically see where the foot will land.
Propulsion stage
The limb reaches vertical and the body weight begins to pass over the leg.
Dorsal swing phase
The period from when the foot passes the opposite limb until it again touches the ground.
Palmar/plantar swing phase
The period between the foot leaving the ground until it passes the opposite limb.
Impact stage
The first instant where the foot hits the ground.
Stride
A complete cycle of all 4 legs.
Trueness of movement
The amount a foot moves from side to side through the swing phase
Gallop - Beat sequence, left lead
Off hind: near hind: off fore: near fore: suspension.
Breakover
The very last instant the foot is on the ground.
Suspension
The period during motion when no feet are in contact with the ground.
Walk - beat sequence
Near hind: near fore: off hind: off fore.
Canter - beat sequence, right lead
Near hind: simultaneous off hind & near fore: off fore: suspension.
Canter - beat sequence, left lead
Off hind: simultaneous near hind & off fore: near fore: suspension.
