Foot Timing and movement?

Ever seen a movement photo posted by friends and read comments regarding the photo "superb example of movement.... love the reach and drive"?
Sometimes this is the case, but rarely do I see photos that exhibit good foot timing which is essential to a correctly structured and balanced Bernese.

Take for example the photo here. At first glance one would say that she is displaying the correct "M" in movement and I don't mind saying that many years ago I used this photo, thinking it was a great example of how movement should be.  A good friend of mine and mentor had the sense to tell me that this wasn't an ideal movement shot of my dog. It took me a while to understand why?

• Notice that the Front left paw is above the ground, yet the rear right paw is still in contact with the ground?

Now I hear some of you say..."if the dog could lower it's head, it would allow the front paw to be in contact with the ground." Sometimes this is the case, however this brings me to my second point... Notice you can see that the Front right pastern is still straight (not flexing) and the paw is still in solid contact with the ground whilst the left rear paw has finished it's extension and left the ground altogether. Therefore the opposing legs are not displaying correct foot timing either.
This photo whilst displaying a good top-line and some other good attributes of what was a great example of the breed for her time, does not display correct Bernese movement and certainly doesn't show correct foot timing.
At a trot, a Bernese should display a two beat rhythm in it's movement. Each opposing paw on the dog (Front-Right together with Rear-Left and Front-Left together with Rear-Right) should strike the ground at the same time. This is true for a Bernese moving at a slow trot or at a faster paced Flying trot.​

---

This photo better shows correct foot timing with front right and rear left paw contacting the ground at the same time. Notice the left front pastern is flexed and has left contact with the ground, as has the hind right paw.