Among horse lovers, there are many different definitions and concepts, hearing which we are confused. Let's try to figure out one of them. Often among horses, the word "paces" sounds. This definition is one of the most important in equestrian sport. With the help of this article, you will briefly immerse yourself in the world of the most beautiful animals.
The meaning of the word "gait"
The Russian language is rich in words that have come to us from other countries. “Gait” - this is how the word “gait” is translated from French. It determines the shape of the forward movement of the horses. In other words, gait is a set of horse-like mobility methods. An animal can independently reproduce these movements from birth, however, often these elements are additionally taught in riding schools. Do not confuse any fast movement of a horse with a gait. After all, this is not only a run, but also a step. There are both artificial and natural treads of horses. Among the natural (natural) the following gaits are distinguished: this is the amble, ordinary step, gallop and lynx. Unnatural include: piaffe, Spanish step, passage, gallop back, Spanish lynx, gallop on three legs.
Natural horse gait
The amble is a wrong gait, in which the animal rearranges simultaneously a parallel pair of legs. From the side it looks like a horse is shifting from one side to another. The rider is much more comfortable sitting with the amble than the lynx, but the animal is less stable.
A step is the quietest way to move, in which the animal steps over each of the four legs in sequence. The pace of this gait is set by the number of hoof hits on the ground, at which the whole body moves one step forward. In this way, a horse can walk an average of 5 kilometers per hour.
Gallop is the fastest gait that occurs in leaps at three paces. With this run, there is a moment when the horse seems to freeze in the air. This happens when she carries her hind leg in order to lean on her. The average speed at a gallop is approximately 22 kilometers per hour. With a quick gallop, the horse is able to reach speeds of 60 km / h. Such a run is also called a quarry.
Lynx - frisky gait, carried out in two paces. With this run, the horse rearranges its legs diagonally. The average speed at a lynx of 45-48 kilometers per hour. A world record was set by a horse, which developed a speed of 55 km / h with a lynx.
Artificial methods of transportation
Let us consider briefly the methods of horse movement, which are specially trained in equestrian clubs and schools. Such methods are artificial gait - these are gait intentionally grafted by animals for sporting purposes. These include:
- Spanish lynx. It is distinguished by the fact that when running the horse throws forward the front leg parallel to the ground.
- Passage is the slowest lynx when the legs are moved forward. At the same time, the front ones rise beautifully and smoothly, and the rear ones are very strongly brought under the body.
- Spanish step. It differs from the usual one in that the front foot is extended forward, stretched parallel to the ground.
- Piaffe is a movement in one place with a gait “passage”.
- A gallop on three legs, in contrast to a simple gallop, is determined by one of the forelegs constantly stretched forward. However, it should not affect the earth.
Summarizing
So, in this article we examined what equestrian gait is, what its types are, and how they differ. Not all horse movement methods are described here. For a more detailed study, it is necessary to delve into the details and master each element from a professional position separately. No matter how gait the horse moves, it always remains a graceful and beautiful animal.