Which gait is three-beat and typically faster than a trot?

The three-beat gait that is typically faster than a trot is the canter. In this gait, one hind leg, the opposite front leg, and then the other hind leg follow a rhythm, creating a smooth and balanced motion. The canter is characterized by a more elevated and flowing movement compared to the trot, which is a two-beat gait involving diagonal pairs of legs moving together.

Cantering allows the horse to cover ground more quickly, making it a preferred gait for greater speed while still maintaining control. This unique rhythm and moderate speed differentiate the canter from other gaits, such as the trot, which is slower and more structured, and the walk, which is the slowest gait with a four-beat rhythm. Pacing, another two-beat gait similar to trotting, also does not match the speed of the canter. Understanding the distinct characteristics of these gaits is crucial for horse evaluation and performance assessment.