A horse gait refers to the specific way a horse moves its legs while walking, trotting, cantering, or galloping. Each gait has a distinct rhythm and speed, which can affect the horse's performance and comfort. The four primary gaits are walk, trot, canter, and gallop, each serving different purposes in riding and training. Understanding horse gaits is essential for riders and trainers to ensure proper movement and care. For example, the walk is a slow, four-beat gait, while the gallop is a fast, four-beat gait used in racing. Recognizing these differences helps in assessing a horse's health and performance.