The trot is a two-beat gait that involves diagonal pairs of legs moving together: as one hind leg steps forward, the opposite front leg does the same. The sequence is right hind with left front, followed by left hind with right front, with a moment of suspension in between when all four feet are off the ground. The trot is a crucial gait in dressage as it requires balance, rhythm, and suppleness from the horse. It serves as a fundamental aspect of training, helping to develop the horse's strength and coordination. In dressage, there are variations of the trot, such as the collected trot, working trot, medium trot, and extended trot, each differing in speed and stride length.