A controlled, moderate gallop (running gait of a horse) where the rider keeps the horse in check with the reins, preventing it from going at full speed.
Compound of 'hand' and 'gallop.' 'Hand' refers to the rider's hand controlling the reins, and 'gallop' comes from Old French 'galoper.' The term describes a pace where the hand's control is evident in the horse's regulated speed.
Experienced riders know that a 'handgallop' isn't laziness—it's actually the most sustainable pace for a horse over long distances because the rider's subtle hand signals keep the horse calm and preserve its energy, while a wild gallop can exhaust a horse quickly.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.