running walk
Quick Summary
The running walk is a four-beat gait of a horse, characterized by a slow, easy rhythm. In this gait, one hind leg touches the ground just before the opposite foreleg. This allows the horse to move at a speed of 6 to 8 miles per hour, faster than a standard walk. The Tennessee walking horse is a breed known for this distinctive gait, which is natural and can be improved with training. A relaxed walk involves the horse's head moving down and forward, then up and back, with the reins nearly slack. An extended walk features long, unhurried strides, while a collected walk is shorter-striding and requires rider control.123
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