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I have broken the trotting action into four main phases that describe only half
the cycle. For a full cycle, the phases would be repeated using the opposing
legs. These four phases are:
1. The extended stride: backward
2. The suspension phase
3. The extended stride: forward
4. The passing position
Phase One
The body is supported on two legs and is in an extended stride backward position.
• Front left leg is held off the ground and is extended and thrown forward.
• Front right leg is extended fully backward and at the end of its duty phase.
• Hind right leg is off the ground and bent and swinging forward.
• Hind left leg is extended backward and supports the animal.
Phase Two
The animal has now entered the suspension phase , during which all four feet
are held off the ground. The entire body is at its highest point away from the
ground than at any other stage during the trot.
• Front left leg is now fully extended in preparation for the foot to be placed
on the ground.
• Front right leg is still extended backward and has just lifted from the
ground in readiness to be swung forward.
• Hind right leg remains bent and is advanced of the passing position.
• Hind left leg has just been lifted clear of the ground and is held backward.
Phase Three
The animal has now made contact with the ground again. The body is supported
on two diagonally opposed legs and is in an extended stride forward position.
• Front left foot is now firmly on the ground, though still extended forward.
• Front right leg is raised off the ground and is swinging forward.
• Hind right leg is extended forward with the foot on the ground.
• Hind left leg is now bent as it begins to swing forward.
Phase Four
The animal has now entered the passing position with the supporting legs
about to undertake their highest levels of duty factor.
• Front left leg is straight and locked and now supports the animal.
• Front right leg is heavily bent and swings forward past the supporting leg.
• Hind right leg has taken the shock of landing on the ground and is now
held straight and vertical, supporting the animal's weight.
• Hind left leg is halfway through its swing forward and is located alongside
the hind supporting leg.
The passing position of Phase Four leads to an extended backward stride
phase that resembles Phase One but with opposite legs. During the transition
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