What type of gait is characterized as a fast, four-beat gait?

The gallop is characterized as a fast, four-beat gait, which distinguishes it from other gaits. In a gallop, the horse moves with a sequence where each foot hits the ground separately, resulting in four distinct beats as it transitions through the movement. This gait is typically faster than trot or canter and is often used in racing and running scenarios.

The other gaits mentioned, such as the trot, canter, and pace, have different beat structures. The trot is a two-beat gait where diagonal pairs of legs move together. The canter is a three-beat gait, identified by a sequence that includes one foot hitting the ground at a different time than the others. The pace is similar to the trot in that it is a two-beat gait but has a lateral movement with both feet on one side moving together, which is distinctly different from the gallop's four beats. Understanding these characteristics clarifies why the gallop is recognized as a fast, four-beat gait.