Ungulate & Carnivore Gallop Comparison

Click the play button to start the movie.

The video shows gallop gaits of ungulates (horse & antelope) and carnivores (lion, cheetah, dog).

Notice that the carnivore trunk is quite flexible compared to the ungulate. Through trunk flexibility the carnivore is able to physiologically extend its stride length beyond the mere anatomical reach of its limbs.

The horse exhibits a transverse gallop gait with a single suspension phase. The dog exhibits a rotary gallop gait with two suspension phases.