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Gaited breeds
What is a gaited horse?All horses are "gaited" in the sense that walk, trot and canter are all considered gaits. So, what is a so-called gaited horse, and what makes it different from other horses? Horses that perform a gait separate from the standard three listed above are generally considered gaited horses. Breeds that promote these different gaits are called gaited breeds. Within these breeds, the gait can vary considerably, with certain individuals that gait almost from birth, and others that take sufficient work to get and keep in their signature gait. So, what is so special about this "gait" that entire breeds are founded on? Most alternate gaits are fast and smooth, covering the ground at the speed of a big trot but without the bounce of a two-beat diagonal gait. The footfalls of a horse in an alternate gait are similar to those of a horse simply walking, but much faster, and without the moment of suspension that causes the jarring jolt a trotting horse may bestow upon its rider. The following breeds are examples of gaited horse breeds, search the internet and you'll find more. 
- Icelandic Horse
- Singlefooter
- Tennessee Walker
- Mountain Horses
- American Saddlebred
- Paso Fino
- paso Peruano
- Mangalarga Machadore | |