>> The running walk is the center of the gait spectrum; it is not a tolt. >> Tolt is a lateral gait. > > Why if the gait is the same foot fall as the walk, but just faster, and > sounds perfectly even - is it not a square gait?
Thanks for asking, Robyn. Each easy gait is the same footfall as the walk. RH, RF, LH, LF. It's always the same in every gait. The running walk is in the middle of the chart, dead center, because it is even in timing. Each foot is independent, and evenly timed with it's neighbor, at all times. Each foot lifts independently, in even timing. Each foot sets down independently, in even timing. This makes it a square gait. Additionally, the body is in a neutral frame. The rack / tolt is a lateral gait. The rack / tolt has an even four beats, evenly timed set down. However, the pick up in the rack / tolt is more laterally timed! The laterals pick up *closer* in time than even timing. Not necessarily *at* the same time, but *closer* in time. That means the RH, RF evenly set down, but... the RH will stay on the ground a bit longer and pick up closer in time to the RF. Why does this happen? First, it has to do with the ventroflexion of the back. You can try it yourself by getting down on the floor and walking on all fours in an evenly timed gait. Then raise your head, hollow your back. Your timing on the lift of the hind will be slower. You know how the horse's hindquarters are referred to as the motor of the horse, and the loins being the transmission? With the ventroflexion, there's a little "disconnect" thing going on. Add to that the sewing machine action of the front legs. Does that make any sense at all? When you think about it, rack / tolt is the easiest gait to manufacture from mechanical aids. We can spend time on this if anyone has any questions about it. This is a great step in understanding easy gaits. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
