Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wearable gait monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of an animal pulling a payload. The system can comprise and inertial measurement unit (IMU), a load sensor, and a display. The IMU can be configured to be positioned proximate the animal and configured to generate IMU data indicative of an acceleration and rotation of the animal. The load sensor can be configured to generate force data indicative of a force exerted on the payload by the animal. The display can be configured to display load and gait information to a user, wherein the load and gait information can be based on the IMU data and the force data.