We found that a close coupling of the kinematics of the two oscillating systems appears to be precluded by their differential dependence on the animal’s speed. In the case of the forelimbs, increases or decreases in speed are mainly effected by changes in temporal gait parameters such as stance phase duration and stride frequency The frequency of whisk cycles, in contrast, varies independently of speed. On the other hand, forelimb position at touchdown is fairly constant relative to the head across the speed range, whereas the vibrissae change their protraction and retraction angles in accordance with speed.