Definition
A gaited horse is one that naturally performs a four-beat ambling the standard movement categories this extends that provides a smoother ride than the two-beat trot. The ability is primarily genetic, controlled by a variant in the DMRT3 gene that affects limb movement coordination. Most gaited breeds carry this variant in homozygous form, meaning both copies of the gene produce the ambling pattern.
Common Gaited Movements
Different breeds perform distinct ambling gaits, each with a characteristic footfall sequence and rhythm. The Tennessee Walking Horse performs the running walk, in which each foot strikes the ground individually at speed with a characteristic head nod. The Paso Fino executes the paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo at varying speeds with lateral four-beat footfall. The Icelandic Horse performs the tolt, a four-beat lateral gait covering rough terrain at speed. The American Saddlebred can perform the slow gait and rack. Despite different names, all these movements share the four-beat ambling characteristic that reduces vertical movement for the rider.
Genetic Basis
Research published in 2012 identified the DMRT3 gene variant as the primary determinant of ambling gait in horses. The same variant appears in all gaited breeds studied, from Icelandic Horses to Peruvian Pasos, indicating a single ancestral mutation that spread through human-directed selective breeding. This genetic foundation means that foals from two gaited parents will reliably inherit the gait, while crosses with non-gaited breeds may produce offspring with variable or no ambling ability, depending on which the single variant controlling limb coordination are passed on.
Use and Suitability
Gaited horses are valued for trail riding, endurance work, and situations requiring sustained riding over long distances, because the smooth ambling gait reduces rider fatigue and is easier to sit than a posting trot. They are widely used in regions where rough terrain makes a comfortable long-distance mount a practical necessity. Western pleasure and trail competitions include gaited classes. Some gaited breeds, particularly the Icelandic, also compete in specialized gait competitions that test pace and tolt purity.
Further reading: Gaited horse on Wikipedia; Tennessee Walking Horse at Britannica.