XIII. 



When and how should the gallop be exacted in the first 

 part of horse training? — Almost invariably the gallop 

 lesson should be begun early. There is then available an 

 additional means of suppling the horse, of strengthening 

 him, extending him, and pushing him straight ahead. But 

 a fixed rule can not be laid down with horses and especially 

 in this matter; the time to take up first work at a gallop 

 depends upon the conformation of the horse, his condition, 

 his leg development, and the kind of ground available. 

 It would be stupidity to gallop frequently on a colt that 

 drags his legs and is disunited at a trot and that has diffi- 

 culty in holding up the part essential to training. On the 

 other hand it is proper to gallop repeatedly on a vigor- 

 ous horse that has been worked before purchase, on the 

 horse with good strong legs, and particularly after he 

 has been thoroughly confirmed in the correct trot. 



This is a matter of common sense and experience; a 

 horseman will promptly decide at Vv^hat moment he can 

 profitably begin gallop work with the horse he is riding or 

 with the squad he is instructing. 



The gallop by increase of gait — Utility of work on a 

 circle. — Passing from the walk to the gallop may be con- 

 sidered as a test of advanced training ; it will therefore be 

 entirely out of place at this stage, and we must take up the 

 gallop only by increasing the gait from the trot. More- 

 over, it is essential that the horse shall work equally well 

 on both sides, and since, on the circle, the horse is set to 

 lead on the inside leg we have an opportunity to insure the 

 gallop lead on either foot. 



53521°— 10 4 49 



