Gaits are the way a horse or pony can move, either naturally or through training

The canter is a gait with three beats. It averages 8 mph and has a moment of suspension. A western canter is called a lope.

When you canter, there’s always a leading front leg that stretches out further than the other leg. This is usually the inside leg if you’re riding in an arena. If you’re going around the arena in the right direction, your horse’s right front leg should lead at the canter.

The gallop has four beats, averages 15 mph and has a moment of suspension. A hand gallop isn’t actually a gallop, but a faster canter.