Jogging in equestrian contexts refers to a slow, relaxed, two-beat trot — a gait seen most prominently in western riding disciplines, particularly reining, western pleasure, and trail classes. It is the western counterpart to the posting or sitting trot in English riding, but with distinct characteristics that set it apart as a disciplined and valued gait in its own right.
What Is a Jog?
The jog is a collected, unhurried version of the trot. In western pleasure and trail classes, a well-trained jog should be slow, rhythmic, and ground-covering without looking laboured or stilted. The horse’s head is typically carried low and relaxed, with minimal elevation of the knee. The stride should be smooth enough that the rider can sit easily without posting — indeed, sitting the jog is standard in western riding.
The jog is differentiated from a lope (western canter) and a flat walk, and from a regular working trot. In competition, a jog that is too fast, too high in the knee, or rough in its rhythm will be penalised. See also: lope and trot.
The Jog in Western Pleasure Classes
In western pleasure competitions, the jog is one of the most scrutinised gaits. Judges look for a horse that moves with ease and a willing, pleasant expression — the name “pleasure” reflects the ideal that riding this horse should be a pleasure. The jog should demonstrate cadence and consistency, with the horse maintaining pace and frame without constant rider input.
Over the decades, trends in western pleasure have at times pushed the jog toward an extremely slow, ultra-collected movement sometimes criticised as artificial or unhealthy for the horse. The equine community and organisations such as the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) have periodically issued guidelines to encourage a more natural, forward-moving jog that reflects a horse capable of genuine work.
Sitting the Jog
Western riders sit the jog rather than post. This requires a balanced, deep seat, relaxed hips, and soft following contact with the horse’s movement. A horse with a rough or jarring jog makes sitting significantly more difficult, which is why smoothness is prioritised in training and judging. Riders with back issues or those new to western riding often find a well-trained jog far more comfortable to sit than a bouncy working trot.
See also: sitting trot.
Jogging in Trail and Ranch Classes
In trail and ranch riding classes, the jog is also required — but with a slightly more forward, purposeful quality than in western pleasure. Ranch riding, in particular, emphasises a functional working horse, so the jog should look like a horse that could cover terrain efficiently, not a show-ring caricature of the gait. The FEI recognises western riding disciplines at international level: www.fei.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a jog the same as a trot?
A jog is a type of trot — specifically a slow, collected version of the two-beat diagonal gait. All jogs are trots, but not all trots are jogs. The term jog is used primarily in western riding disciplines to describe this particular, relaxed execution of the gait.
How do I train a horse to jog slowly?
Training a reliable, slow jog requires patient work on collection and responsiveness to seat and leg aids. You begin by establishing a good working trot, then ask for downward transitions within the gait using subtle half-halts and a following seat. Over time, the horse learns to carry itself at a reduced pace on light contact. Rushing should never be punished harshly — reward the moment the horse softens and slows.
Can English-trained horses jog?
Any horse can technically jog — it is simply a slow trot. English horses trained in collected work will often produce something very close to a jog when asked for a collected trot. The stylistic presentation differs, but the underlying biomechanics are similar. Western and English training philosophies diverge more in frame, headset, and contact than in the gait itself.