I02 EQUINE LOCOMOTION. 



trained to amble, require a good deal of teaching to give 

 up the amble, and to trot in true style. It consists of the 

 alternate action, in progression, of the two diagonals, in each 

 one of which the fore leg and hind leg move in the same 

 manner. Thus, in Figs. 64 and 66, we have the left diagonal 

 support and right diagonal support shown as the diagonal 

 pairs of feet come alternately to the ground. Figs. 65 

 and 67 depict the position the hmbs occupy, just before 

 the feet quit the ground. It is evident that the trot is 

 a pace of two time. 



We may divide the trot into three kinds : (i) The 

 short or slow trot, in which the prints of each respective 

 hind foot do not reach as far forward as those of the fore 

 foot of the same side ; and there is no period of sus- 

 pension. (2) The ordinary trot (Figs. 64 to 67), in 

 which the hind feet more or less cover the prints of 

 the fore feet, or even go slightly beyond them, in which 

 case there will be a brief period of suspension. (3) The 

 flying or fast trot, in which there is a well-marked period 

 of suspension between each stroke of the diagonals 

 (Figs. 68 to 72) ; the movements represented being those 

 of alighting, support, quitting, suspension, and alighting on 

 the opposite diagonals. 



The trot is the least fatiguing pace to the horse, by 

 which he can go a long distance continuously at a fair rate 

 of speed ; because both fore and hind limbs, respectively, 

 have the same amount of work to do ; the body can be 

 more easily maintained in a state of equilibrium by a 

 diagonal support than by a side support, as in the amble ; 

 there is but little loss of power in keeping the centre of 

 gravity (p. 53) level; and the pace is a tolerably fast one. 

 It is more suitable for draught, than for saddle, because, in 

 the first place, it is very fatiguing to the rider, especially 

 if he bumps up and down a la militaire. Consequently, 

 we find that men who are accustomed to go long distances 

 on horse-back, as in the Colonies, almost always combine 

 the canter and walk instead of adopting ^the trot. Al- 



