In the horse world, gaited breeds are considered a rare, but welcome prospect. Of the roughly 350 horse breeds, only around 30 are naturally gaited. "Gaiting" is the term for a horse that "single-foots" (always has one foot in contact with the ground), ambles, paces, or does a running walk. Gaited horses have a smoother, easier ride and are often favored by people who have joint issues. Here are 10 horse breeds known for their gaiting ability.
Tip
Although some horse breeds are naturally gaited, other horses can be trained to be gaited. In addition, mixed-breed horses that aren't gaited might pass down DNA that results in naturally gaited offspring.
The Best Horse Breeds for First-Time Owners and RidersIcelandic Horse
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Icelandic horses are sure-footed and resistant to harsh conditions. The Icelandic word "tolt" is used to describe the horse's single-footed pace. Its gait is comfortable for the rider, and it can carry a person briskly over rough terrain. Icelandic horses are commonly used for pleasure riding, harness races, and horse shows.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 hands (48 inches) to 14 hands (56 inches)
Weight: 730 to 840 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Squat-legged; deep chest; long back; shaggy fur
American Saddlebred
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The American saddlebred is one of the most popular gaited horses often used in parades. It's prized for its smooth ride and flashiness. Some have five distinct gaits, including a slow gait and a rack. Racking is a quick, lateral gait that has a four-beat movement with equal intervals between each beat.
Breed Overview
Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)
Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Arched neck; short back; muscular build; high tail carriage
Paso Fino
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In Spanish, the words "paso fino" mean "delicate passage," which describes this breed's gait. The paso fino was developed in Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other parts of the Caribbean. These horses are small and sturdy, able to carry riders over the rugged terrain of their island and coastal homes.
Breed Overview
Height: 13 hands (52 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)
Weight: 700 to 1,100 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Small head; relatively short back; prominent withers
Peruvian Paso
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The Peruvian paso, or Peruvian horse, has been declared a cultural heritage breed by the National Institute of Culture of Peru. Peru's national horse has many fans for its elegant carriage and smooth ride. It is famous for its two special gaits: the slow "paso llano" and the fast "sobreandando.”
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)
Weight: 900 to 1,100 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Muscular build; deep chest; low tail carriage
American Standardbred
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The American standardbred is a star in harness races. But these horses are great for riding, too. They have two distinct gaits: pacing and trotting. Pacers have a single-foot amble, or "pace," while trotters have a single-foot walk or running walk. Pacers tend to race faster than their trotting relatives.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)
Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Deep chest; muscular legs; thick mane and tail
Tennessee Walking Horse
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The smooth gait of the Tennessee walking horse makes it one of North America's most popular breeds. It was developed to give people a gentle ride as they tended to farmland. It is known for its unique four-beat running walk and flashy movement. Plus, it generally has a calm disposition.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)
Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Muscular build; long head; small ears; straight profile
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse
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Sure-footed and even-tempered, the Kentucky mountain saddle horse has a natural four-beat gait called an amble or a rack. One hoof is always in contact with the ground, which makes the horse reliably stable. In fact, a rider can sit almost motionless while the horse travels at a fast canter.
Breed Overview
Height: 11 hands (44 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)
Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Muscular build; flat facial profile; deep chest
Marwari Horse
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Hailing from India, the Marwari horse is rare to see in North America. It has an ambling gait, similar to a pace. Its gait is called a "revaal," "aphcal," or "rehwal." Considered natural performers, these horses are suited to competitive dressage and exhibitions. Marwari horses are also used for polo.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)
Weight: 750 to 1,000 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Sickle-shaped ears; long back; slender legs with small hooves
Morgan
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Morgans are commonly regarded as non-gaited horses, but many will gait naturally. A review of the genetics of gaited Morgans showed a mixture of saddlebred, standardbred, and thoroughbred horses. In fact, scientists have isolated the gaiting trait in DNA tests and found nearly a fifth of all Morgans have it.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)
Weight: 900 to 1,100 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short head with wide forehead; muscular neck; thick mane and tail
Appaloosa
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A gaited Appaloosa has a lateral gait, which is when the legs on the same side of the horse move together. It's often referred to as the Appaloosa shuffle. This four-beat gait resembles a pace, though it's smoother. It looks a lot like the running walk of a Tennessee walker.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)
Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Colorful coat patterns; mottled skin; striped hooves