PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENTS OF THE HORSE 735 



take place on the right hind foot, followed in order by the right fore, the 

 left hind, and the left fore, from which a succeeding thrust off the ground 

 will be effected. The consecutive supporting feet are : ( i ) the right hind 

 foot ; (2) the right hind and right fore feet ; (3) both hind and the right 

 fore foot ; (4) the left hind and right fore foot ; (5) the left hind and both 

 fore feet ; (6) the left hind and left fore feet ; (7) the left fore foot alone, 

 from which the animal leaves the ground. 



" The canter is usually regarded as a slow gallop, probably from the facility with which a 

 change from one gait to the other can be effected ; an important difference will, however, be 

 observed." E. M. 



FIG. 63. Some Consecutive Phases of the Amble. 



The stride is completed between 10 and 11, and 11 and 12 show more advanced phases of the 

 movement than 1 and 2. 



Amble. A method of progressive motion with the same sequence of 

 foot-fallings as in the walk (see WALK), but in which a hind foot or a fore 

 foot is lifted from the ground before its fellow hind foot or fellow fore foot 

 is placed thereon, the support of the body devolving alternately upon one 

 foot and upon two feet, the single foot being alternately a fore foot and a 

 hind foot, and the intermedial supports alternately diagonals and laterals. 

 (See Fig. 63 above.) 



The amble is natural to the elephant, and in some countries to the 

 horse, the mule, and the ass. The sequence of foot-fallings is the 

 right hind, the right fore, the left hind, the left fore, beginning again 

 with the right hind foot. At no time during the stride is the body of 

 the animal unsupported. The amble has been erroneously confused 

 with the rack or pace ; it is the most gentle and agreeable to the 



