

Wanted A Square Gait 3 



Many faults of gait can be learned by studying the tracks of the 

 horse's hoofs on the ground, and I urge trainers in general, and 

 owners too, to direct their attention to these footprints. For, from 

 the nature and position of these tracks, they can arrive at a remedy for 

 a faulty gait much more quickly. It is not very hard work consider- 

 ing the results to rake off a piece of ground, which has been pre- 

 viously harrowed and is moist enough to show the tracks plainly. The 

 record of the ,ground may serve to lead to a better record of the mile, 

 and the impressions on the ground may help to effect better impres- 

 sions on the grand stand. To give it meaning we must have two 

 things, namely, a tape line and a white cord. The latter is stretched 

 midway between the two sulky-wheel tracks and figures as a line of 

 reference for the position of the feet; and the 100 ft. tape line serves 

 in the measurements of all the successive footprints. The middle line 

 is assumed as being the line of motion of the horse's center of gravity, 

 around which all weight and motion is equally distributed. In a square 

 gait, therefore, we should have the position of the feet on either side 

 at equal distances from this line of reference. Any deviation would 

 argue a certain deficiency or a bad habit of the gait. Such a wrong 

 direction of motion may be due to some structural fault or to some 

 temporary impediment caused by faulty shoeing. In either case a 

 remedy may correct an irregular gait. Much can be learned merely 

 by an inspection of the tracks thus referred to the middle line. 

 Whether much figuring is done or not, some idea at least may be 

 gained from the positions of the feet. Of course, the presumption here 

 is that the trial so made did proceed in a straight, or nearly straight, 

 line. The speed of a horse is most efficient in straight lines. 



An irregular position of one or more feet can be readily detected 

 and will indicate the possible remedy for a better direction or position 

 of same. If not convenient, the figuring on these positions, as given 

 later on in the fourth chapter, may be omitted and notes could be made 

 ttnerely from the inspection by eye. 



As to the use of the tape line, there is need of a little more work. 

 The simpler features of such measurements are given again in Chapter 

 X. Suffice it to say here that the tape line should be applied until we 



