Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Phase One
We start with this sequence as the animal is supported on three legs. The
body is held slightly higher at the rear.
• Front right leg is planted firmly on the ground and extended forward.
• Front left leg is held off the ground and heavily bent at the carpal joint and
has swung to a forward position.
• Hind left leg is extended forward and planted on the ground.
• Hind right leg is extended fully backward but has not yet left the ground.
Phase Two
The animal is suspended on two legs at this point.
• Front right leg has now pushed to a backward position, providing thrust.
• Front left leg is fully extended forward and held straight in preparation for
placing the foot on the ground.
• Hind left leg supports the animal and is held in a vertical position.
• Hind right leg has been lifted from the ground but is still extended
backward.
Phase Three
It is at this phase that the animal pushes off the ground and is supported by
only a front foot. The body is supported at the front end only; as a result the
body is angled upward toward the rear.
• Front right foot is held off the ground and swings quickly forward.
• Front left foot is the only foot that remains on the ground.
• Hind left foot has left the ground and swings forward.
• Hind right leg moves together with the left one; they are both still
extended slightly backward.
Phase Four
This is the suspension phase of the sequence during which the animal is
completely suspended from the ground. At this point the animal is at its
highest point off the ground during the sequence. The body is held level
horizontally.
• Front right leg is extended furthest forward but at this stage is still bent.
• Front left leg is still trailing backward slightly. Both front legs are bent at
the elbow and carpal joints.
• Hind left leg is has reached the upright position and is moving with the
hind right leg.
• Hind right leg is extended slightly in front of the hind left leg.
Phase Five
At this point the animal is supported by a single hind leg as it lands from the
suspended phase. The body is tilted upward toward the front end and the
hips are lower than the shoulders.
