From Walking to Galloping

A horse can advance in different ways, and the best known are the so-called gait, trot, or gallop. Let’s see how horses go from walking to galloping. 

The most normal and relaxed is the gait in step, in which the animal lifts its legs one by one, and its progress is slow, calm and rhythmic. It is the typical movement to undertake a relaxed walk, on horseback, or for very long routes, in which there is no urgency to arrive, and rider and horse can walk for hours.

Another of the horse’s most normal steps is trotting. When the equine jogs, it supports one of the front and rear limbs on the opposite sides simultaneously and alternately on the ground. It is a ride that develops at moderate speed and is comfortable for the rider, and suitable for facing rough terrain. This is because the animal’s body remains balanced at all times, by leaning on the crossed legs on both sides at the same time.

Galloping is running gear. It is the fastest step of the horse, in which the animal makes a movement three times. On the first one, it supports a rear leg. In the second movement, the other hind leg and a front one, and in the third movement, the previous one was missing. This third time is the only time when the four helmets sit on the ground for a moment, to start the process again.
The horse can gallop to the right or left, depending on which is the right front limb or the left front limb the one that raises the most.

The gallop speed depends on the power of the limbs, the amplitude of extension of the forelimbs and the speed of succession of the blows. The speed is 7 meters per second, being able to double and almost triple on some race horses.

Whoever learns to ride a horse will surely start walking at a pace, perhaps someone of an intermediate level will opt for trotting and only those advanced and without fear will go for the gallop.
Each in its own way, any of the three ways is enjoyed.