Which horse gait is characterized by three beats?

The lope is characterized by three beats, and it is a smooth, relaxed gait commonly associated with western riding. In this gait, one hind leg strikes the ground first, followed by the opposite front leg, and then both the other hind leg and front leg come down together, creating a rhythmic feel. This unique pattern distinguishes the lope from other gaits.

In contrast, a walk is a four-beat gait where each foot hits the ground independently. The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait, where the opposite front and hind legs move together. The gallop, typically faster than the lope, features four beats and has a more pronounced, faster rhythm as the horse pushes off with its hindquarters and moves through an extended stride. Understanding these differences in the number of beats and the movement dynamics helps clarify the unique characteristics of each gait.