| The horse is said to have four natural gaits, namely | | | | or slow down until he reaches the other horses. |
| the walk, trot, canter and gallop. When you learn to | | | | So it is important to know your level of riding and |
| ride you start off slow with the walk and work your | | | | what speed or gait you are capable of riding on a |
| way up in speed to the gallop. Each gait requires the | | | | horse. If you have never cantered and desire to do |
| rider to be balanced. Like a baby learns to crawl | | | | so, the best place to learn is in an arena. |
| before he runs, I recommend that every beginner | | | | When you want to partake in different horse |
| rider learn to walk before they gallop off into the | | | | disciplines and possibly compete, you certainly would |
| sunset. | | | | need to know the gaits for that sport. For example a |
| Gaits are the horses way of moving. So do you really | | | | polo match is fast paced with minimal walking, barrel |
| need to know all about gaits? It really depends on | | | | racing has zero walking, but dressage has various |
| your personal situation. If you are a beginner rider | | | | takes on the walk. |
| and decide to join a trail ride at a holiday resort, it | | | | When first learning to ride, the trot is probably the |
| would be important for you and the other riders to | | | | most uncomfortable and challenging to ride. The |
| know what speed you are comfortable in and can | | | | rider's body is propelled up into the air and unless you |
| safely ride. | | | | have balance you just end up plopping back down in |
| If you say you can and would love to canter, but | | | | the saddle only to be thrown up again. |
| never have, you place yourself and the other riders | | | | The canter is smooth and rhythmic; it is a controlled |
| at risk. A horse is a highly intelligent animal and he will | | | | speed and a gait enjoyed by almost every horse |
| sense your level of skill. You no doubt will have | | | | enthusiast. The key aspect a rider needs is to relax in |
| heightened excitement knowing you are going to | | | | his seat and move with the rocking motion of the |
| canter and this may make your horse excited too. | | | | horse. If you stiffen up and sit rigid, you will most |
| The problem arises when you all get ready to canter | | | | likely have an uncomfortable ride as your body will be |
| and you find that you do not know what aid to give | | | | bounced about. |
| the horse to signal to canter; your horse may find | | | | Last but not least of the natural gaits is the gallop. A |
| himself left behind and go even faster to catch up, | | | | horse's top speed can be easily observed on any |
| almost running away with you. This is a frightening | | | | race track. I over the years have learned great |
| experience and your horse will pick up on the fear | | | | respect for horses and riders that perform any task |
| and uncertainty, it is very unlikely your horse will stop | | | | at a gallop. |