What is a lope?

A lope is a type of horse gait that falls between a trot and a gallop in terms of speed and smoothness. It is often described as a comfortable, relaxed and ground-covering gait. The lope is commonly seen in Western riding disciplines such as reining, cutting, and trail riding.

During the lope, a horse moves in a three-beat pattern, with one diagonal pair of legs moving together, followed by the other pair. The lope is characterized by a rocking motion, with the horse's body shifting slightly from side to side.

To cue a horse to lope, the rider will typically ask for a canter departure and then transition into the slower, smoother lope gait. The lope can be ridden at various speeds, depending on the discipline and the desired level of collection and impulsion.

Overall, the lope is a versatile and enjoyable gait for both horses and riders, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for long distances or intricate maneuvers in various Western riding disciplines.