Today’s Smooth-Running Horses May Owe Their Genetics to the Vikings

[Mz]

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/todays-smooth-running-horses-may-owe-their-genetics-vikings-180960055/?no-ist

[lordnacho]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQOQVrIchN4

Useful for a non-rider like me to understand what the heck ambling is.

[xuhu]

Does any of this apply to the way humans run ? The 400m winners seem to keep their core at the same height between steps whereas I needlessly jump up and down at each step, probably wasting a lot of energy while doing this. Maybe I can blame it on the genes.

[brianwawok → xuhu]

As a runner this is something you can approve over time. My watch even plots it as I run under the name vertical oscillation.

Aka we don't need a gene to run smooth.

[ch4s3 → brianwawok]

or rather we already have the gene(s) that enable smooth running.

[brianwawok → ch4s3]

I think smooth running is easier on 2 legs vs 4. 2 legged animals don't have a gait per say. Gait is the way 4 legged animals coordinate their steps.... we just evenly alternate.