In
the extended trot, the horse covers as much ground as
possible. Maintaining the same cadence, with impulsion
from the hindquarters, he lengthens his steps to the
utmost. To get the most ground coverage and length from
the frame, the rider allows the horse to remain on the
bit without leaning on it.
In a proper extended trot, the front hooves touch the
ground in the direction they are pointing; and the forward
movement of the fore and hind legs are parallel while
in extension. With well-balanced movement, the transition
from the extended trot to collected trot is smooth with
the horse taking more weight on the hindquarters.
Shown here is Anky van Grunsven on the late Olympic
Cocktail. A KWPN approved Keur stallion by Purioso out
of a Le Val Blanc xx daughter. Image taken by Dirk Caremans
at the CDI *** Schoten, Belgium.
See a video
clip of the extended trot, featuring Gonnelien Gordijn-Rothenberger
on Olympic Bo, a KWPN mare who was formerly ridden by
Anky's life partner Sjef Janssen.
Above definiton credit to: AHSA
Rule Book 1999 Dressage Division Art 1904 Sec. 4.4
In
the extended trot, the horse covers as much ground as
possible. Maintaining the same cadence, with impulsion
from the hindquarters, he lengthens his steps to the
utmost. To get the most ground coverage and length from
the frame, the rider allows the horse to remain on the
bit without leaning on it.
