Requisites of Perfect Balance 91 



Such a procedure, however, does not imply that horses are to be shod 

 or balanced according to a preconceived plan to which they are sup- 

 posed to accommodate themselves. This would be the method of per- 

 sistent repetition, with its inherent make-or-break policy. It is like 

 fitting round pegs into square holes or square pegs into round holes. 

 In no such spirit is it urged here to conform to ideals of motion or gait 

 by any such means. 



We may have to force the subject to abandon certain habits if 

 conformation allows, but in order to do so intelligently we must have 

 a definite knowledge of the gait and a definite understanding of the 

 effects of certain changes. 



In other words, a study of the compensations in the make-up of a 

 gait would enable us to strike as good an average for the movements 

 and for the speed of the subject as the make-up of the subject would 

 allow. The analysis offered in ,the previous chapter gives just such a 

 definite knowledge of the matter under investigation. From it can be 

 derived that definite plan by which the gait can be ascertained at all 

 times and from which such improvements could be followed as would 

 tend to perfect that gait. Or again, if under such an exact method no 

 definite improvement in gait and speed could be attained with all the 

 skill of American shoeing at command, then it could still remain a 

 quick and economical method to determine the subject's inability to 

 trot or pace fast. 



In Fig. 67 is given a scheme to make a record of the make-up and 

 individuality of the animal. It embraces the main points involved in 

 conformation and gait for speed or the lack of it. The attitude from 

 the side (profile) and that from in front (en face) are most important 

 features of such a preliminary examination. Under "articulation" is 

 meant the way the legs and feet are united at their joints, or how 

 the extremities are hung and how they are inclined to move thereby, 

 with special reference to the flatness of knee and ankle and to the free 

 position of elbow and stifle joints. Under "gait and action" the direc- 

 tion and elevation of leg movements are meant ; and it is important to 

 designate the difference between the fore and the hind legs, which is 

 so necessary in determining the harmony of motion. 



