196 ON PROGRESSION. 



and the horse is again supported by three legs 



(A, B, C). 



Thus the animal, during the walk, is always 

 supported by a triangular position of three legs, 

 namely, two fore legs and one hind leg, or one 

 fore leg and two hind legs, alternately. 



The walk is, of all paces, the easiest to the 

 rider, provided he sits on the center of the 

 horse's back, as it consists of an alternate de- 

 pression of the fore and huid quarters; for in- 

 stance, when either of the fore legs is advanced, 

 the fore quarters must sink ; but when the leg, 

 by the advancement of the body, reassumes its 

 perpendicular position, the fore quarters will re- 

 cover their former altitude. The same action 

 takes place in tlie hinder quarters. This motion 

 may be compared to the vibration of the beam 

 of a pair of scales. The walk should be light, 

 firm, and quick. The knee should be bent mo- 

 derately. 



