The fox trot, name-giving for the breed, is a diagonal four-beat gait, where the front foot hits the ground split-second before the opposite rear foot. The head shakes in unison with the rhythm of the gait. The tail perfectly balances the movements of the head.

The flat foot walk is a flat four-beat lateral gait. Over stride is desirable.

The Canter is a three-beat gait, executed in a straight manner on either hand, smooth and flexible, with a long reach. Pumping, four-beat gallop or too much speed is not desirable.

The gallop is an extended four-beat gait as used for races but still smooth and with tender movements.

The running walk shows the same pattern as the flat foot walk but at a higher speed and with more over stride.

The single foot is an even four-beat gait with sometimes only a single foot on the ground (hence the name). This gait allows for rather high speed.

Walk is a natural, flat four beat gait at a low speed. The horse is awake; the length of the step is in a good proportion to the body of the horse.