Proper Balance in the Trot/Jog and the Rider’s Position: Classical vs. Western Dressage

The trot (called the jog in Western Dressage) is where engagement, suspension, and true self-carriage begin to develop. Unlike the walk, the trot has a moment of suspension between each diagonal pair of legs. This makes it both the most revealing gait for the horse’s balance and the most demanding for the rider’s ability to stay with the motion without interfering. Because Western Dressage is built on classical principles, the ideal biomechanics are nearly identical—the main differences lie in preferred outline, degree of elevation, and how the saddle influences the rider.[1][2]

The Horse’s Balance in the Trot and Jog

In both disciplines the gait must be a clear, regular two-beat diagonal gait with a moment of suspension. The horse should push from behind, swing through a relaxed back, and reach forward with the front legs. Irregularity, lack of suspension, or a stiff back are faults in both systems.[3][4]

Working Trot / Working Jog  

This is the everyday working gait. In classical dressage the working trot is energetic, with clear suspension and the horse tracking up or slightly over-tracking. The nose is at or slightly in front of the vertical, and the horse shows a steady, light contact. In Western Dressage the working jog is described almost the same way: energetic, regular, elastic steps with push from the hindquarters and the hind legs stepping actively under the body. The back should be relaxed and the shoulders free. Both want the horse balanced and light on the forehand, not heavy or rushing.[4][5]

Collected Trot / Collected Jog  

Collection shortens the stride while increasing engagement and self-carriage. The neck is raised, the hocks flex more, and the horse carries more weight behind. Classical dressage at the upper levels often asks for a more elevated, uphill frame with greater suspension. Western Dressage also requires clear self-carriage and engaged hocks in the collected jog, but it generally favors a more moderate, natural outline that still remains comfortable and ground-covering rather than highly elevated. In both, elasticity and cadence must not be lost just because the steps are shorter.[4][6]

Lengthened / Medium / Extended  

Both disciplines ask for longer strides while maintaining the same rhythm and balance. Speeding up is a fault. Classical dressage typically develops a more dramatic extended trot with greater suspension and reach. In Western Dressage lengthening of the jog emphasizes covering more ground with a longer frame while keeping the same tempo and remaining comfortable to sit.[4][7]

The Rider’s Position and Balance in the Trot/Jog

A balanced rider is essential because the suspension of the trot creates more up-and-down motion than the walk. If the rider braces, grips, or loses alignment, the horse immediately becomes tighter through the back and loses the quality of the gait.[8]

Classical Dressage  

The ideal remains the vertical alignment of ear–shoulder–hip–heel. In the sitting trot the rider’s pelvis and lower back must absorb the suspension so the seat stays in quiet contact with the saddle. rising (posting) trot/jog is used in working and lengthened trot at the lower levels to help the horse stay free through the back; the rider rises on the outside diagonal and keeps the upper body tall and still. Hands remain soft and steady, following any natural head movement. The legs stay quietly in contact without gripping.[8][9]

Western Dressage  

The position goals are the same: centered, vertical alignment with an elastic seat. However, the Western saddle creates practical differences. Traditional stock saddles often place the stirrup bars farther forward, which encourages a chair seat (feet too far ahead). A chair seat makes it harder to sit the jog without bouncing and reduces the rider’s ability to influence the hindquarters. Good Western Dressage riders work to keep the lower leg under the body and the seat bones centered. In introductory and basic tests the working jog may be ridden either sitting or posting; from Level 1 upward it is normally ridden sitting. Because the Western saddle has less shock absorption than a dressage saddle, many riders find the sitting jog more challenging and must develop a supple lower back and core to stay with the motion without stiffness.[4][10][11]

In both disciplines the rider must:

1. Stay centered over the horse’s center of gravity

2. Allow the pelvis and lower back to absorb the suspension

3. Keep the hands elastic and independent

4. Avoid gripping with the thighs or bracing in the lower back[8]

Practical Tips for Improving Balance in the Trot/Jog

1. Develop a quality sitting trot/jog on the lunge or with a trusted horse so you can focus solely on following the motion without steering.

2. Practice frequent transitions within the gait (working to lengthened and back) while keeping the same rhythm—this improves both the horse’s balance and the rider’s timing.

3. Use rising trot strategically in both disciplines when the horse is stiff or the rider is learning to stay soft.

4. Video yourself from the side. Check that your shoulders stay level, your lower leg stays under you, and you are not bouncing or leaning.

5. Strengthen your core and hip flexibility off the horse. A strong, supple rider can follow the trot without gripping.

Comparing and Contrasting the Two Disciplines

Similarities  

Classical and Western Dressage share the same fundamental requirements for the trot/jog: a regular two-beat rhythm with suspension, engagement from behind, a swinging back, and an independent, following rider seat. Both judge the quality of the gait by elasticity, regularity, and the horse’s ability to maintain balance in all variations. The training scale principles—relaxation, rhythm, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection—apply equally. Western Dressage was intentionally built on classical fundamentals so that Western horses could benefit from systematic, progressive training.[1][2][3]

Differences  

The most noticeable differences are in preferred outline and equipment. Classical dressage, especially at the higher levels, often develops a more elevated, collected frame with greater suspension. Western Dressage generally prefers a longer, more natural, ground-covering outline that remains comfortable for a working-type horse while still showing engagement and lightness. Terminology differs (trot vs. jog), Western Dressage tests require the working jog to be ridden sitting at the upper levels where as in Classical Dressage the working trot is not used as a required test movement from 2nd level to FEI. The Western saddle itself makes a correct, centered position slightly more challenging for many riders, so deliberate attention to avoiding a chair seat is important. Contact is light in both, though Western Dressage is typically ridden in a curb bit with split reins.[2][4][10]

Final Thoughts

Proper balance in the trot or jog depends on a rider who can stay centered, soft, and following while the horse pushes from behind and suspends. When the rider is in self-carriage, the horse can stay relaxed through the back, maintain a clear two-beat rhythm, and develop true engagement. These biomechanical principles are the same in classical and Western Dressage. The disciplines differ in saddle, preferred outline, and degree of elevation, but the goal remains identical: a balanced, happy horse that moves with freedom and a rider who can influence without interfering.

At AP Dressage we focus on these fundamentals for both classical and Western Dressage riders. Whether you are developing a quality sitting trot or a comfortable, engaged jog, the principles of balance and an independent seat are what create lasting partnership and soundness.

Angela Paltram  

AP Dressage – San Diego / Rancho Santa Fe  

Classical & Western Dressage Instruction

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### References

[1] Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA). Western Dressage Rules & Guidelines. https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-guidelines  

[2] Mad Barn. Western Dressage: History, Competition & Rules [Discipline Guide]. https://madbarn.ca/western-dressage/  

[3] United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Western Dressage Division Rules (including gait definitions). https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/NpmAWxkXY6M/wd-western-dressage  

[4] WDAA / USEF. Western Dressage Glossary of Terms. https://files.usef.org/assets/B8nzM69qZ4s/westerndressageglossaryofterms.pdf  

[5] WDAA. Western Dressage Judges Guidelines. https://files.usef.org/assets/qD3kwLLxAIg/westerndressagejudgesguidelines.pdf  

[6] USEF. Western Dressage: To Jog or Not To Jog? That is the Question. https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/10010_western-dressage-to-jog-or-not-to-jog-that-is-the-question  

[7] USEF. Western Dressage: Riding and Training. https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/10147_western-dressage-riding-and-training  

[8] How To Dressage. How (And Why) To Maintain the Correct Rider Position. https://howtodressage.com/article/correct-position-dressage/  

[9] YourDressage. Rider Biomechanics. https://yourdressage.org/2024/10/18/rider-biomechanics/  

[10] Various Western Dressage rider biomechanics discussions and coach observations (including RIDE TV and experienced trainers) regarding Western saddle geometry and chair seat.  

[11] WDAA test requirements regarding sitting vs. posting the working jog (Introductory/Basic levels allow both; higher levels require sitting).

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