Working large tracts of land and herds of horses and cattle requires a steady partner. Just as important today as they were when the west was first tamed, working Quarter Horses were bred to be the ideal partner and to help their riders get the job done as comfortably as possible. In order to keep up with the herds for long periods of time, American cowboys often ride at a jog or a lope. A jog is a two-beat gait that is faster than a walk but slower than a lope. Easier to ride than a vigorous trot, the rider remains in the saddle instead of posting.