Tracy Goodbrand and Steeldust

The horse at the walk:

A walk is a four (4) beat. This means that each leg touches the ground one at a time.

The horse at the trot:

A trot is a two (2) beat, and is a diagonal movement.

For example, the left front and the right hind leg touch the ground at the same time, for one (1) beat, then the right front and left hind leg touch the ground at the same time, for the second (2nd) beat.

The horse at the canter (lope):
(The animation depicts a horse loping on his left lead)

A canter (lope) is a three (3) beat.

First Beat: The right hind touches the ground
Second Beat: Tthe left hind and right front legs touch the ground at the same time,
Third Beat: The left front leg touches the ground for the third beat.

It is at this point when all four (4) legs are off the ground - this is called suspension.

Notice in the picture how the left hind leg and the left front leg are "leading" or are in front of the right legs.  That is what determines the left lead.

The right lead is when the right hind leg and the right front leg are "leading" the left legs.

Notes: A canter and a lope are the same gaits. A canter is the english riding term while a lope is the western riding term

A gallop or hand-gallop are the same gait as the lope or canter, however, much faster. A gallop is the wetern riding term while hand-gallop is the english riding term.