Canter is a 3 beat gait with two of the four legs moving in unison. Although it originates in the hindquarters the beat of the gait itself is often counted as 1. One front leg (lead) striding out, 2. Opposite front leg and diagonal hind leg moving in unison, 3. Opposite hind leg and the pattern repeats 1 2 3, 1 2 3 It is often counted that way especially from the ground because one fore leg seems to be leading - a left lead or a right lead. A right lead would originate with the horse pushing off the left hind, then the opposite diagonal pair moving together, then the right front leg. Either way you count it, the actual gait and rhythm is the same - 1 2 3. Gallop is a four best gait with a moment where all four feet are off the ground.

https://learninghorses.com/canter-vs-gallop/

This is not how an elephant moves

Any Dolly fans if you haven’t heard this podcast series it’s fantastic. Hosted by Jad Abumrad from Radiolab. I was sad when it was over.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E1dSFR01VoQU5IvuHag6a?si=dK2-D4jtTgGrvyjiAhzSZg

Ha, while I agree that most don’t read carefully, the irony of you using the wrong word made me giggle!