Trot: Difference between revisions

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'''Trot''' is a two-beat diagonal gait of the horse where the diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time with a moment of suspension between each beat. It has a wide variation in possible speeds, but averages about 8 miles per hour (13 km/h). A very slow trot is sometimes referred to as a '''jog'''. An extremely fast trot has no special name, but in harness racing, the trot of a Standardbred is faster than the gallop of the average non-racehorse. In this context, the fastest trotting speed is known as '''racking'''.
== Trot ==


==Characteristics==
[[File:Rustytrotone.jpg|A horse trotting in a field|thumb|right]]
The trot is a two-beat gait that has a wide range of speeds, from very slow to very fast. Depending on the horse and its speed, a trot can be difficult for a rider to sit because the body of the horse actually drops a bit between beats and bounces up again when the next set of legs strike the ground. Each foot hits the ground separately, except for the brief moment of suspension, and the average speed is approximately 8 miles per hour (13 km/h).
The '''trot''' is a two-beat diagonal [[gait (horse)|gait]] of the horse where the legs move in diagonal pairs: right front and left hind, then left front and right hind, with a moment of suspension between each beat. It is faster than a [[walk (horse)|walk]], but slower than a [[canter]] or [[gallop]].


==Types of Trot==
== Characteristics ==
There are several types of trot, each with its own set of characteristics and uses. These include the '''collected trot''', '''working trot''', '''medium trot''', and '''extended trot'''. The collected trot is a very collected gait that is used in dressage. The working trot is a comfortable, efficient gait for the horse and is used for most riding. The medium trot is a more forward and engaged trot, used in dressage. The extended trot is a fast, ground-covering trot that is used in dressage and eventing.
The trot is a natural gait possessed by all horses, as well as most other equines. It is a very balanced gait that is often used for long-distance travel because it is less tiring for the horse than the faster gaits. The trot is also the gait used in many equestrian disciplines, including [[dressage]], [[show jumping]], and [[eventing]].


==In Harness Racing==
=== Variations ===
In [[harness racing]], trotting, as it is known in the United States, or '''trot monté''' in France, is a professional racing discipline where Standardbred horses are harnessed to a lightweight two-wheeled cart known as a sulky, gig, or bike. The horses race at a specific gait - a trot or pace. They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, or spider, occupied by a driver.
There are several variations of the trot, each with its own characteristics and uses:


==See Also==
* '''Working trot''': A natural, forward-moving trot with a regular rhythm and cadence.
* [[Horse gait]]
* '''Collected trot''': A shorter, more elevated trot with increased engagement of the hindquarters.
* [[Ambling]]
* '''Extended trot''': A longer, more ground-covering trot with increased reach and suspension.
* [[Pace (horse gait)]]
 
* [[Canter and gallop]]
[[File:Trot_animated.gif|Animation of a horse trotting.|left|thumb]]
 
== Dressage ==
In [[dressage]], the trot is a fundamental gait that is used to demonstrate the horse's training and athleticism. Dressage tests often include movements such as the collected trot, extended trot, and various lateral movements like the shoulder-in and half-pass.
 
[[File:WC07b.JPG|A horse in a dressage trot|thumb|right]]
 
== Western Riding ==
In [[Western riding]], the trot is often referred to as the "jog." The jog is a slower, more relaxed version of the trot, characterized by a steady, even pace that is comfortable for the rider to sit.
 
[[File:Youth_Western_riding.jpg|Youth rider performing a trot in Western riding|thumb|right]]
 
== Training and Riding ==
Riding the trot can be challenging for beginners due to the bouncy nature of the gait. Riders often learn to "post" the trot, which involves rising out of the saddle in rhythm with the horse's movement to make the ride smoother.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Gait (horse)]]
* [[Dressage]]
* [[Dressage]]
* [[Western riding]]
* [[Equestrianism]]
[[File:Fabian,_31._September_2006,_7b.JPG|A horse demonstrating a collected trot.|thumb|right]]
[[File:Trakhener_-_Dressur_Erstes_2.jpg|Trakehner horse in dressage.|thumb|right]]
[[File:Marlies_van_Baalen_with_"Kigali".jpg|Dressage rider performing an extended trot.|thumb|right]]
[[File:Ilster_d'Espiens.jpg|A horse in a trot during a competition.|thumb|right]]


[[Category:Horse gaits]]
[[Category:Horse gaits]]
[[Category:Horse racing]]
[[Category:Equestrianism]]
[[Category:Animal locomotion]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:32, 23 March 2025

Trot[edit]

A horse trotting in a field

The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait of the horse where the legs move in diagonal pairs: right front and left hind, then left front and right hind, with a moment of suspension between each beat. It is faster than a walk, but slower than a canter or gallop.

Characteristics[edit]

The trot is a natural gait possessed by all horses, as well as most other equines. It is a very balanced gait that is often used for long-distance travel because it is less tiring for the horse than the faster gaits. The trot is also the gait used in many equestrian disciplines, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing.

Variations[edit]

There are several variations of the trot, each with its own characteristics and uses:

  • Working trot: A natural, forward-moving trot with a regular rhythm and cadence.
  • Collected trot: A shorter, more elevated trot with increased engagement of the hindquarters.
  • Extended trot: A longer, more ground-covering trot with increased reach and suspension.
Animation of a horse trotting.

Dressage[edit]

In dressage, the trot is a fundamental gait that is used to demonstrate the horse's training and athleticism. Dressage tests often include movements such as the collected trot, extended trot, and various lateral movements like the shoulder-in and half-pass.

A horse in a dressage trot

Western Riding[edit]

In Western riding, the trot is often referred to as the "jog." The jog is a slower, more relaxed version of the trot, characterized by a steady, even pace that is comfortable for the rider to sit.

Youth rider performing a trot in Western riding

Training and Riding[edit]

Riding the trot can be challenging for beginners due to the bouncy nature of the gait. Riders often learn to "post" the trot, which involves rising out of the saddle in rhythm with the horse's movement to make the ride smoother.

Related Pages[edit]

A horse demonstrating a collected trot.
Trakehner horse in dressage.
Dressage rider performing an extended trot.
A horse in a trot during a competition.