What term describes the rhythm of a horse's walk?

The rhythm of a horse's walk is described as a four-beat gait. In a four-beat walk, each hoof touches the ground at separate times, creating a distinct rhythm. This means that as the horse moves, you can distinctly hear and see the placement of each individual hoof in a sequential pattern. The four beats are typically represented by the following hoof sequence: left hind, left front, right hind, right front. This natural gait provides a smooth and relaxed movement, which is characteristic of a walking horse. Understanding this rhythm is important for evaluating a horse’s movement and soundness, as deviations from the standard four-beat rhythm can indicate issues with the horse's gait or underlying musculoskeletal problems.