The term "Indian Shuffle" is often used to identify any number of "extra" gaits done by the Appaloosa. However, an article in the Appaloosa News gives a very detailed description of the Indian Shuffle that is nearly identical to that of the Stepping Pace. This is the gait that we refer to as the "Shuffle". A smooth lateral gait that at first glance appears to be a trot has been termed the Indian Shuffle by the Tiger Horse Registry- however this is not the same gait the Appaloosa News named the Indian Shuffle. Some Appaloosas will also perform gaits such as the Running Walk ("Square Shuffle"), the Foxtrot ("Foxtrot Shuffle"), and the Trote (a smooth Paso trotting gait).

While several of our horses Shuffle, we are still learning how to properly ask for and encourage this gait while riding. We are not experts on the "extra gaits", but have learned a small amount by experience and even more from owners and trainers of gaited breeds like the Paso Fino and the Tiger Horse. We offer our explanation of the extra gaits we have seen in our Appaloosas below.

We hold to the idea of the smooth extra gaits being part of a spectrum between the Trot (two beat diagonal) at one extreme and the Pace (two beat lateral) at the other. In the Trot, diagonal pairs of legs work together and set down at the same time. There is a moment of suspension in the horse’s stride when all four hooves are off the ground, and then impact when contact is made again. In the Pace, the legs on the same side work together and set down at the same time. There is also a moment of suspension and then impact. The smooth gaits such as the Indian Shuffle have a distinct four-beat sequence of separate footfalls with two or three hooves on the ground at all times. They are considered "middle gaits" because they lie somewhere in the spectrum between Trot and Pace. The middle gaits can be described as diagonal (closer on the spectrum to the Trot), square (exactly between the Trot and Pace) and lateral (closer on the spectrum to the Pace). It is the pick up of the hooves, which determines if a gait is lateral or diagonal.

• If the front leg moves forward first, the gait is diagonal
• If the hind leg moves forward first, the gait is lateral

Beginning with the Indian Shuffle, here are the "middle gaits" we have seen in our Appaloosas:

This Indian Shuffle is a four beat gait, meaning it has independent set down and pick up of each hoof. The support sequence allows for 2 hooves flat on the ground at all times. The Indian Shuffle has a lateral footfall sequence with the hind hoof setting down first, followed by the front hoof on the same side:

• 1) right hind sets down, 2) then right front… then a slight delay and
• 3) left hind sets down,  4) then left front

• 1) right hind picks up,  2) then right front… then a slight delay and
• 3) left hind picks up,   4) then left front

The pick up of the hind hoof first makes the Indian Shuffle a lateral gait. The Indian Shuffle therefore is slightly towards the pacing end of the "gait spectrum"- a bit closer to the Pace than the Trot. It is also a broken four-beat gait, meaning the footfalls are not evenly timed. As described above, the front hoof sets down just after the hind and then there is a slight delay as the set down switches to the other side. The timing of the pick up is then 1-2—3-4.

While riding the Shuffle, we have noticed a forward and back motion combined with a slight side-to-side movement as the footfalls switch sides. Some of our horses display a head nod and a little shaking (turning) of the head in time with the gait. We have found the Indian Shuffle to be a smooth gait that is much easier on the rider than a typical trot.

The Running Walk ("Square Shuffle")

Some Appaloosas will do the Running Walk. Like the Indian Shuffle, the Running Walk is a four beat gait with independent set down and pick up of the hooves. The support sequence is 2 hooves flat on the ground and then 3 hooves on the ground. And like the Indian Shuffle, it has a lateral footfall sequence in that the hind hoof sets down first, followed by the front hoof on the same side:

• 1) right hind sets down, 2) then right front
• 3) left hind sets down,  4) then left front

• 1) right hind picks up,  2) then right front
• 3) left hind picks up,   4) then left front

The pick-up of the hind hoof first makes the Running Walk a lateral gait. However, it is the timing that makes it different from the Indian Shuffle. The timing of the pick up and set down is evenly spaced: 1-2-3-4, unlike the Indian Shuffle which has a slight pause as the movement switches from side to side. This makes the Running Walk a square gait, exactly in the middle of the "gait spectrum", halfway between the Pace and the Trot.

While riding the Running Walk, one will notice a forward and back motion similar to that of the Indian Shuffle, but it will lack the same side-to-side movement of the body and head. The Running Walk is very smooth and considered by many to be the optimum middle gait.

Correct Timing of the Running Walk

Noting the position of the legs to each other as they move through the gait can identify a correctly timed Running Walk. When a hind hoof is placed on the ground the corresponding front leg must have moved halfway through the stride of its pick up and set down.

This can be seen by the position of the front hoof in relation to the shoulder. At the moment the hind hoof hits flat on the ground the corresponding front hoof should be vertically in line with the shoulder. This hoof will also be in line with the leg on the opposite side when the leg is perfectly vertical. The correct position of the raised hoof is referred to as being "vertical’ (in line with the shoulder or opposite leg) and the gait is then "square". If the position of the raised front hoof is behind vertical, the horse tends toward Trot (diagonal). If the position of the front hoof is ahead of vertical, the horse tends toward Pace (lateral).  

The Trote

The Trote is a diagonal gait at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Pace. Until recently we thought this term simply referred to a smooth Trot. However, we have learned this is a distinct diagonal gait seen in some of the Paso breeds. In the Trote, the pick-up and set down sequence is the same as the normal Trot, but there is no suspensory phase (all four hooves off the ground at once), hence less "bounce" and impact as the hooves hit the ground. We have noticed a similar smooth moving Trot in some of our Appaloosas.

   The Foxtrot ("Foxtrot Shuffle")

Some horses also will move with an "out of time" Trot (Foxtrot) that has four distinct beats. Like the normal Trot, the Foxtrot has a diagonal footfall sequence, but the front hoof of each pair sets down first, followed by the hind hoof of the opposite side:

• 1) right front sets down, 2) then left hind
• 3) left front sets down,  4) then right hind

• 1) right front picks up,  2) then left hind
• 3) left front picks up,   4) then right hind

The pick up of the front hoof first makes the Foxtrot a lateral gait. The picture below shows North Star Cowboy in a "foxtrotting" gait.

   Terms and Factors to consider for the Middle Gaits

Head Nod (shake): Horses in the Running Walk will generally have a vertical (up and down) head nod without much side-to-side head motion. The head nod includes the full length of neck. The movement is rhythmic and runs through the entire body of the horse, but there is little of this movement in the croup. The head nod runs counter to the motion of the back- when the head is at its lowest point the back of the horse is at its highest, and when the head comes up the back is at its lowest. This motion along with the forward and back movement of the shoulders causes the rider to move slightly forward and back in a rolling motion.

When in the Indian Shuffle, a horse tends to have head nod with a noticeable amount of side-to-side motion (shake) in the head and neck. This shake is evident when looking at the poll, or a brief view of the muzzle may be noticed as the head moves to each side. In the Shuffle the rider can often feel a slight side-to-side motion in the hips, due to the lateral pick up of the hooves and legs. This is due to the more "pacey" nature of the Shuffle.

In the slower Flat Walk, the head nod is deep and steady. Once the horse is moved up into the Shuffle or Running Walk the head nod looses some depth, giving the illusion of a faster nod as compared to the gait. In reality, the head nod is just shallower because the head does not need to go as low for counter balance.

In all these gaits the head is used like a pendulum and for a given gait, a deeper head nod tends to lengthen the stride. The head is used for counterbalance as the front legs raise and fall. It also aids the reach and power of the hind end. A proper head nod contributes to the quality and timing of the gait.

The head nod "counterbalance" sequence:

• As the right hind leg drives back, the right fore hoof is placed on the ground, and the head is lifting. This upward motion of the head and neck helps put power into the forward motion.
• As the left fore leg is raised the head moves down to it’s lowest point. The movement of the head is a counter balance for this fore leg in the air.
• As the left fore hoof is placed on the ground the head is lifting again.

Overstride: is the measurement of distance the hoof print of the hind hoof steps past the hoof print of the fore hoof on the same side. The amount (length) of overstride can vary depending on the conformation of the horse and the development of the gait. The most overstride is usually gained by the least amount of hock and hoof lift, creating a long, low sweeping motion.

Length of Stride: is the distance measured from toe to toe of two right hind hoof prints. The longer the stride, the more ground covered with less strides. Longer strides rather than a faster pace are generally less tiring on the horse.

Looseness: shows in relaxation and contributes to the rhythm and overall quality of the gait. It is easier to see in the flat walk because looseness naturally reduces as speed is increased. Looseness can be seen as a relaxed motion of the head, neck and shoulders. It is sometimes noticed by the clicking of teeth, or flopping of ears in time with the head nod.

Leaning into the gait: a loose horse moving well will often appear to be leaning into the gait. The hind legs are reaching under and the front legs are pulling in the ground, giving a balanced impression of leaning forward.

Ventroflexed: refers to the horse moving with its back somewhat "hollow" or concave in profile. A ventroflexed back aids a horse’s tendency to move in a lateral gait. A high head generally helps the horse carry itself with a ventroflexed back.

Dorsiflexed: refers to a horse holding its back in a "rounded" of convex profile. A dorsiflexed back aids a horse’s tendency to move in a diagonal gait such as the Trot.