The Indian Shuffle or Appaloosa Shuffle is a gait that only the Appaloosa horse possesses.
It is an even four beat with only one hoof hitting the ground at a time on each side alternating.
It is not like a pace … nor related to pacers. It is a very smooth gait between the trot and the canter and an Appaloosa can and usually does it as their preferred gait.
All of my horses exhibit it at liberty from birth and it is such a pleasure to watch. There is a gene that causes this gait and that has now been proven.
When the Nez Perce were escaping the cavalry, it was this gait that saved them. The cavalry couldn’t keep up and their horses would tire quickly. Here is a video of my three four year old stallions happily doing it together.
Enjoy!