During which gait does a horse breathe once for each stride?

In the canter, a horse typically breathes once for each stride, which corresponds to the rhythm and timing of this particular gait. When a horse is cantering, it has a three-beat rhythm that allows for a specific breathing pattern. This is because, during the canter, the horse is able to synchronize its movements with its breathing more effectively than at other gaits.

In contrast, at the walk, trot, and gallop, the horse tends to breathe differently, often having variations in the number of breaths taken in relation to the strides. For instance, at the walk, the horse breathes continuously with a slower rhythm, while at the trot, the respiratory rate increases, and it may breathe more than once for each stride. Conversely, during the gallop, which is a faster and more intense gait, the horse may take a deeper breath for every few strides rather than a consistent one-to-one ratio. Therefore, the canter is distinct in its breathing pattern, aligning breaths with each stride effectively.