klusání

Klusání is the Czech and Slovak term for the trot, a gait of four‑legged animals, most commonly horses, that lies between the walk and the canter. It is defined by a two‑beat diagonal rhythm in which the left front leg and right hind leg land together, followed by the right front leg and left hind leg on the next beat. Between beats there is a moment of suspension, and the rider often posts to match the up‑and‑down motion.

There are variations depending on speed and collection: a collected trot with a shorter, higher stride; an extended trot with a longer stride while maintaining the two‑beat rhythm; and a medium trot that sits between. Training and breeding influence flexibility, balance, and cadence.

In riding disciplines, klusání is fundamental to flatwork and dressage, offering balance, rhythm, and propulsion. In harness racing, the trot is one of the competing gaits; trotters race with a diagonal gait, while pacers use a lateral gait. The gait also requires careful hind‑limb engagement to minimize energy loss and maintain cadence.

Klusání is distinct from canter, which is a three‑beat gait with a different sequence and typically a longer suspension, and from pace, a lateral two‑beat gait where the legs on the same side move together. The trot is valued for its stability and clear rhythm, but it can be strenuous for riders if not ridden with a correct seat and leg cues.