Fun Facts:
HEART RATE
Resting: 28–44 bpm
Working trot/canter: 60–120 bpm
Gallop/jumping: 180–220 bpm
Fit horses recover quickly (2–5 minutes)
BREATHING
Resting: 8–16 breaths/min
Gallop: up to 120–150 breaths/min
At the gallop: 1 breath per stride
GAITS & BEATS
Walk: 4 beats
Trot: 2 beats (diagonal pairs)
Canter: 3 beats + suspension
Gallop: 4 beats + suspension
STRIDE LENGTH (Approx.)
Walk: 2.5–3 ft
Trot: 8–12 ft
Canter: 10–14 ft
Gallop: 20–25 ft
Hunter stride regularly measures for horses: 12 ft
EYESIGHT
Nearly 350° vision
Blind spots: directly in front of nose & behind tail
Best depth perception with free neck movement
Strong low-light vision
BODY & BALANCE
No collarbone – shoulder suspended by muscle
60–65% of weight on forehand
Hindquarters provide propulsion
Back designed to swing
LEGS & HOOVES
No muscles below knee or hock
Tendons and ligaments absorb concussion
Frog & digital cushion absorb shock
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Prey animal – sensitive to change
Tension affects breathing and stride
Relaxation improves performance
WALKING MATTERS
Improves circulation
Supports soundness
Regulates the nervous system, Essential for warm-up and cool-down.