Horse glossary
Walk
A slow four-beat gait.
In Spanish: Paso
What it means
The walk is a horse's slowest natural gait. It has four beats, with each foot landing separately in the order left hind, left front, right hind, right front. An average horse walks at about 4 miles (7 kilometers) per hour and nods its head and neck with each step.
Why it matters
Most rides start and end at the walk, because it warms up muscles and lets the horse relax. It is also where riders first learn to steer, stop, and follow the horse's movement.
Example
Start at a walk to warm up.
Try this
Let your hips move with the horse and your elbows open and close so your hands follow the nodding head. A good working walk feels like the horse is marching somewhere, not wandering.
Common mistake
Many riders think the walk is just a rest. A lazy, shuffling walk teaches the horse to ignore you, so ask for an active, even rhythm even at this slow pace.