Gaits

MGN 7.0 Gaits

1. Flat Walk: A flat-footed, steady gait with elasticity with no anticipation of forward movement

2. Park Walk: A lively, collected, energetic walk that remains elastic and travels along a straight path.

3. Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that’s balanced, collected gait with a square frame.

4. Park Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that’s animated, square, and collected trot that maintains balance.

5. Pleasure Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that’s relaxed trot characterized by elasticity and free movement.

6. Extended Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that’s bold and energetic, covering more ground with a noticeable lengthening of stride. Speed increases without any appearance of rushing or straining. The horse should stay light in the mouth and respond willingly without resistance. Failure to maintain lightness and willingness should result in penalties.

7. Road Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that covers ground with balance; form should never be sacrificed for speed. Excessive speed is subject to penalty.

8. Slow or Collected Trot: A two beat diagonal movement that carries its neck high, allowing for increased shoulder mobility in all directions. The hocks remain engaged, generating strong impulsion despite the slower pace. The steps are shorter but exhibit greater lightness and agility.

9. Working Trot (carriage division): A two beat diagonal movement that is between a strong and slow trot, more rounded than the strong trot. The horse moves forward freely and straight, with good engagement of the hind legs and lively hock action. The rein remains taut yet light, with a balanced and relaxed posture. Steps should be even, with hind feet landing in the tracks of the forefeet. Energy and impulsion at this gait indicate the horse’s suppleness and balance.

10. Strong Trot (also called “Trot On”): A clear but controlled increase in speed and stride length, maintaining good balance and appropriate lateral flexion during turns. The rider should keep a light contact. Excessive speed results in penalties. The command for this gait is “Trot on.”

11. Jog (western division): A two beat diagonal movement that’s relaxed, easy, without irregular or mixed steps.

12. Extended Jog (western division): The stride is lengthened while keeping a free and easy two-beat diagonal rhythm.

13. Canter: A smooth, collected, and straight gait on both leads.

14. Lope (western division): A slow, smooth, straight gait with a three-beat rhythm.

15. Extended Lope (western division): The stride lengthens while maintaining a smooth, straight, three-beat rhythm. May not be called for in juvenile, novice or maiden classes.

16. Extended Canter: This gait covers more ground and remains free-flowing and smooth, showing clear stride lengthening but controlled and polite. Excessive speed will be penalized.

17. Hand Gallop (road hack canter): A long, free stride that covers ground with control. It is not a fast, collected canter but rather a genuine stride extension, straight and correct on both leads. Excessive speed is penalized. MGN Class Specifications