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Lengthened Trot with Apollo
The lengthened trot is first required in First Level Test One.

The trot lengthening is asked for before canter lengthening primarily because most horses can balance their trot before they can manage their balance in canter. Coming from training level you probably rode your horse in a low stretchy frame and carefully contained his energy so you could get that canter depart before the letter, right? Now you try out first level test one and ouch, you've got to sit that trot and your attempt at lengthening only makes your horse rush off or nothing happens—he just plods along at the same old speed. Now your instructor's words, "keep your horse in front of the leg," "ride your horse from behind," and "keep him on the aids," begins to haunt you and you realize that you and your horse aren't there yet.
Let's get started. The lengthening itself will get your horse on the leg and the effort you make to push your horse out will condition your body to pay attention to where your horse's hind legs are in the first place. If your horse is with your leg aids, you will lengthen; if he is not with you then nothing happens or you surprise him and he runs off.
In the pictures here I am riding Apollo, a Friesian/Morgan gelding belonging to my student, Jody Swartz. Apollo is 6 years old now and has shown at training level for a year or more, and he's ready to move up.
In picture one, I'm pushing Apollo strongly from my seat and legs. This puts him into my hands more and brings his back up under my seat so I can sit him. If I half-halt often, Apollo will not lengthen but balance in this active working trot. I stay with this trot through several transitions to walk and back and through several serpentines until Apollo begin to relax within all the trot activity.
In picture two, I try to lengthen. Apollo steps more forward but falls on his forehand. To help him balance in this lengthening attempt, I pick his head and neck up while driving hard with my legs. This quick rein action gives Apollo space for his front legs and shoulders to express forward, but I'm still pushing very hard with my legs. It is my job to keep the hind end connected to the front while Apollo learns how to reach his legs out longer.
At last, in picture three, Apollo discovers the joys of extending. He is coming off the ground in good balance and reaching with his legs as far as he can at this time without rushing or falling forward.

This lesson took about 30 minutes and Apollo will always lengthen his trot when asked as long as Jody keeps him active in his working gaits.