38 ZOOPBAXOGRAPHT 



body is carried forward without support depend upon 

 many circumstances, such as the breed, build and con- 

 dition of the horse, speed, track, etc. 



The phases illustrated and the measurement given 

 apply to one stride of one horse, but may be consid- 

 ered as fairly representing the stride of a first-class 

 horse in prime racing condition at the height of his 

 speed, upon a good track. 



Assuming — as in this instance — the springing into 

 the air to have been effected from the right fore foot, 

 the landing will take place in advance of the centre of 

 gravity, upon the diagonal, or left hind foot; above, will 

 be suspended the right hind foot, and at a higher ele- 

 vation, several inches to the rear, will be the right fore 

 foot, with the sole turned upward. The left fore leg 

 will be in advance of the right, and also flexed. The 

 force of the impact and the weight of the horse causes 

 the pastern to form a right angle with the leg, and the 

 heel is impressed into the ground. 



The ri2:ht hind foot strikes the orround and shares 

 the weight of the body. The left hind foot leaves the 

 ground while the right hind pastern is in its horizontal 

 phase, supporting all the weight At this period the left 

 fore leg is perfectly straight, with the toe much higher 

 than the heel, and is thrust forward until the pastern 

 joint is vertical with the nose, the right fore knee is 

 bent at a right angle. The left fore foot now strikes 

 and these diagonals are for a brief period upon the 

 ground together. The left fore leg, however, immedi- 

 ately assumes the entire responsibility of support and 

 attains a vertical position, with the pastern at a right 

 angle. The right fore leg becomes perfectly rigid, 



