canter

An asymmetric three beat gait that can be performed at a variety of speeds, but is usually faster than a trot and slower than a gallop. As it is an asymmetric gait it can be performed in 2 mirrored footfall patterns. A hind limb is followed by the diagonal pair of limbs moving synchronously (2nd hindlimb and trailing forelimb) and finally the leading forelimb. This sequence is always followed by a period of suspension. A right lead canter therefore has the footfall pattern left hind > right hind and left fore > right fore; the left lead canter right hind > left hind and right fore > left fore. At very slow speeds (a high degree of collection), the diagonal pair may separate creating a 4 beat pattern.