What is the total number of beats in a horse's walk?

The total number of beats in a horse's walk is indeed four. This means that during a walk, a horse moves each of its four legs in a specific sequence. Each gait can be broken down by how many beats are produced: in a four-beat walk, each leg strikes the ground independently. The sequence follows a consistent pattern where each hoof hits the ground separately, resulting in a rhythmic, steady motion.

This contrasts with other gaits such as the trot, which is a two-beat gait where diagonal pairs of legs move together, or the canter, which is a three-beat gait characterized by a specific leading leg. The four-beat nature of the walk is significant because it provides stability and balance, making it one of the most relaxed and natural gaits for the horse. Thus, understanding that each leg contributes independently to the walking motion clarifies why the total number of beats in a horse's walk is four.