The trot is a diagonal ‘two-time’ pace. This means that there are two beats to a stride, which should be regular and even. It's described as diagonal because if you look at the sequence of footfalls, two legs (which are diagonally opposite each other) always move together. You should be able to count: ‘one-two, one-two, one-two’.

Before you continue, you might find it useful to hear a trot using the player below.


The trot should look and feel calm and rhythmical, but active.

The sequence of footfalls is:

1. left hind and right fore together
2. then right hind and left fore together.

or

1. right hind and left fore together
2. left hind and right fore together

The horse springs from one diagonal pair of legs to the other, with a moment of suspension (a pause) between each beat.

If the trot tempo is fast and hurried it is termed running’ and the pony will lose its balance forwards. If the trot tempo is slow and the moment of suspension too long, it is termed ‘swimming’, or elevated’. Both are incorrect.

Working trot is the pace between collected and medium trot.

Aids to Trot

You can read more about the aids to trot on The Aids page.

Trot is a diagonal, two-time pace. The trot should be steady. You should be able to count one-two, one-two as the horse is trotting.