Equine Sciences Extension Program
Horse Locomotion - Trot
Table of Contents
Characteristics
One diagonal pair of legs are raised before other pair touches ground — suspension of all feet. Period of suspension — longest at the extended trot. Leg sequence unchanged at ordinary, collected, or extended trot. Average speed 7-10 mph Extended 10-30 mph. Believed to be a dominant genetic trait over pacing. Is a natural gait.
Foot sequence
- left front/right hind (left diagonal) — 1st beat
- right front/left hind (right diagonal) — 2nd beat
Marker 1 — A 2-beat, diagonal gait
Marker 2 = Diagonal base of support
Extremes
- Standardbred — has rapid, long round-covering extended trot; used for harness racing; have a much longer period of suspension.
- Hackney — shorter stride; collected, animated trot; higher action and greater flexion of joints with no period of suspension.