The Old Gray Mare

Different Trots Executed By Horses



Posted: Friday, December 30, 2011

by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com

There are more than 300 horse breeds that range in sizes from huge to tiny and anywhere in between. Coat colors vary greatly, and there is even a breed with curly hair. One can be sure there is a suitable breed for anyone with an interest in the horse.

Horses differ not only in appearance, size, color or body type. They perform varied gaits, too. In this article, I focus on the different trots executed by our horses for the show ring, pleasure, trail or other uses.

When we refer to the trot of the horse, we classify it into general categories: Collected Trot, Extended Trot or Working Trot. But regardless of the category, the trot is rhythmic – it is a distinctive two-beat gait. It is the diagonal legs of the horse that strike the ground at the precise same time. Therefore, the horse at a trot will move his right front and rear left legs simultaneously regardless of the amount of collection, extension or style of riding.

Following are the more commonly seen trots performed in shows -

Jog Trotwestern horse at jog clipart

Western horses exhibit a relaxing jog trot, the slowest trot of all, that is not only unhurried and easy to ride, but it puts less bounce on the rider. The horse carries a level head with his top line, maintains slow rhythm, and takes short trotting strides. The rider does not ask for impulsion or collection. Instead, the horse slowly progresses forward in this relaxed gait. Speed is not required. In western pleasure or trail classes, speed is actually penalized.

Slow Trot

Harness horses and hackney ponies in the show ring work at the slow trot as one of the gaits. The harness horse may not break into a canter or gallop at any time, and receives penalties upon breaking his gait. This trot is slower than the working trot but faster than the above jog trot. The harness horse performs the slow trot with animation and great presence depending upon class type such as fine harness or pleasure, etc.

Road Gait

Roadster horses and ponies perform this trot. It is a slow trot that is a bit slower than the working trot. When performed in the show ring, the animals simulate harness race horses in the ring. They are expected to execute the road gait with brilliance and speed.

Collected Trot

Many horses exhibit at a collected trot. It is particularly gorgeous when performed in dressage. The horse carries his weight more on the hindquarters, compressing his frame, shortening his stride and elevating his knees. He becomes lighter or airier; the collected trot is visibly elegant.

Trot (also called Working Trot)Trot Clipart

This is the normal gait and speed of the horse. In the show ring,  it is performed according to the specifications of the breed. It is the show version of the natural trot and speed of the horse when ridden under saddle. This trot is faster than the collected trot and close to a medium trot.

Medium Trot

When a horse performs the medium trot, he is engaged and somewhat extends his way of going. His impulsion forward is solid and steady and ground covering. The speed of the medium trot falls in the middle of the working and extended trots.

Park TrotSaddlebred Park Trot Clipart

The park trot is performed in saddleseat, gaited and fine harness classes. The horses strut in flashy elegance. Knees and hocks are extremely elevated. Heads are carried high, noses are tucked and necks are arched. Cadence and high motion require the horse to square up the trot in front and back, engaging the hindquarters

Road Trot, Show at Speed

This trot is executed in roadster events at a racing trot manipulated into safe and suitable speed for an arena. It is speedy and at racing speed. The horse or pony works as a show animal with flash, animation and speed. His head is set, and his stride is at maximum length.

Extended Trotdressage extended trot clipart

Extended Trot ClipartAt an extended trot, the horse must stretch his frame and lengthen his strides to their greatest ground covering length.

This information is intended to cover only the basics. It is fun, educational and really entertaining to watch show and dressage horses perform their gaits, especially the trots. Each breed is unique in style, performance and elegance.

In my opinion, the trot demonstrates the brilliance, power and elegance possessed by horses.
The Old Gray Mare of DressYourHorse.com

The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her Blog sites.
Heidi Rucki brings expertise as a horsewoman, dog lover and stained glass/mosaic artist. She is an accomplished freelance writer in the horse industry. Writing online as The Old Gray Mare, many of her current articles can be found on www.DressYourHorse.com. In the past, Rucki wrote for numerous horse organizations including The Connecticut Horse Council. She took early retirement from Phoenix Home Life where she wrote mutual fund prospectuses and was responsible for their submissions to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Old Gray Mare writes to share knowledge and her love of horses for everyone but especially for novice and new horse owners. Besides her two main websites, she has recently published three new blog sites. Of those, her favorite is www.BeautyOfHorses.com.
This Article has been viewed 232 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by elle kynzer
 146 days 4 hours ago.
32 fans. Follow elle kynzer on twitter!
Some great information here. Happy New Year
» left by The Old Gray Mare 146 days 2 hours ago.
53 fans. Follow The Old Gray Mare on twitter!
Thanks as always! Had to really think this one over so I wasn't too boring or lengthy. Also, that I included only the high points. Believe it or not, not an easy penning. Decided to get it done anyway. Thanks for sticking it out. And Happy New Year with all the trimmings of great health, prosperity and safety and love to you and yours, too.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.