Basics of Riding

Walk

The walk is the slowest of a horse's paces. It is a four-time movement in which each footfall is distinct. The sequence is near hind, near fore, off hind, off fore.

Trot

The trot is a two-time pace in which the legs move in diagonally opposite pairs. The sequence is off fore and near hind followed by near fore and off hind.The trot can be ridden sitting or rising.

Canter

The canter is a three-time pace. It is characterised by a moment when all four legs are off the ground. The sequence (for canter to the right) is near hind, off hind and near fore together, off fore.