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#157334 - 03/16/06 03:45 PM animal gait
nightcrawler13 stranger Registered: 03/16/06 Posts: 1	Is there an adjective for the gait shared by cats, giraffes and camels in which the two left legs strike the ground at the same time, followed by the two right legs striking the ground at the same time? Thanks.
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#157335 - 03/16/06 04:26 PM Re: animal gait
tsuwm Carpal Tunnel Registered: 04/03/00 Posts: 10463 Loc: this too shall pass	with horses, I believe it's called pacing as opposed to trotting -- don't know if this is more broadly used.
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#157336 - 03/16/06 04:38 PM Re: animal gait
TEd Remington Carpal Tunnel Registered: 07/17/00 Posts: 3467 Loc: Marion NC	High quality, slow motion videography of a camel and horse (from Muybridge, 1957). Both are performing a medium speed symmetrical gait (camel – pace, horse – trot) which uses limbs in alternating pairs. The ipsilateral (same side) limbs are paired in the pace while diagonal limbs are used in the trot. In the pace, limbs of same side can not overlap or interfere with one another this allows the pacer to extend the length of stride more than the trotter. This results in a longer stride with fewer steps and a lesser expenditure of energy over an equal distance. Major disadvantages of this gait are reduction of lateral stability and maneuverability. Use of ipsilateral legs causes the animal to shift its weight from side to side creating a side-sway, resulting in decreased balance. The increased stride length also reduces the frequency of foot plant that prevents the pacing animal from changing directions as often as a trotter resulting in loss of maneuverability. Pacing is most advantageous in animals possessing long limbs, good lateral stability, and inhabit open country. _________________________ TEd
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#157337 - 03/16/06 07:37 PM gaited community
consuelo Carpal Tunnel Registered: 06/11/01 Posts: 2636 Loc: Caribbean	On the island where I live I have observed cats, dogs and iguanas using the same gait as Paso Fino horses. Pretty wild when you realize that the gait is reflected in the music as well.
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