Was There Ancient Horse That Ran Differently?
I have an unclear memory of something I learned at school once. I'm almost certain we learned of a horse breed, which I believe is now extinct, that didn't run in the same way other horses do.
The details are hazy but I believe it was something like, both left legs would go forward while both right would go back?
I also think I recall that they were bred and used by some sort of early army because of the way they ran it gave some benefit I believe? Stamina for long marches maybe? Not sure. It could of been the early Romans.
I've tried googling, searching through articles and info pages but have found nothing. I could just have this crazy memory that didn't happen 😂 Either way I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me what this mystery horse is, or if I'm getting confused/completely loopy.
Thanks in advance! I look forward to what people may find! :D
Horse gaits have a genetic component. Many ancient and modern breeds have evolved gaits that fall somewhere in the speed range of a quick walk or a trot, apparently related to a mutation in one gene that encodes for the nerves controlling limb movement. ‘Pacing’ is the gait you describe, in which legs on the same side move forward together. Like the trot, the pace is a two-beat gait. ‘Ambling’ is a four-beat gait. There are variations on the amble in different breeds, including the Paso Fino and the Icelandic Horse, both breeds with ancient roots.
The ambling gaits may or may not confer evolutionary advantages in wild horses. They have been selected by humans because they provide a more comfortable and easier ride than a trot or canter, with greater speed than a walk.
I can’t speak to the specific use of amblers by any particular historical cavalry, but humans have certainly been selectively breeding them for at least 1500 years, and have known about them for quite a bit longer.
Agricultural Communications, Texas A&M University System (5 September 2012). "'Gaited' Gene Mutation and Related Motion Examined". The Horse. Blood-Horse Publications.