Yep, many purebred Arabs do exactly that,
particularly on the downhill. It is actually a 4-beat lateral gait, very
smooth, and very efficient. She is likely just reaching a level of comfort
and strength going downhill that she can do such a thing. Enjoy, and go
with the flow.
I have an Anglo Arab, 15.3, with long legs and a
short back. Her gaits are smooth, but I had despaired of her ever
picking up a fast downhill walk, although after 2 solid years of riding, it is
getting faster.
Anyway, just recently (she is 6, going 7), she
has started to pace at the walk on downhill, especially steep
ones. She seems very balanced...and is just trucking fast along....but I
have never, in my life, seen a horse pace at the walk.
