Experiments end their Verification 165 



action between fore and hind so pleasing to the eye, the writer urges 

 the use of toe-weights only as a temporary remedy and as a means of 

 educating the animal to a steadier way of going, but to be replaced, 

 if possible, by a different method of shoeing. Toe-weights with a re- 

 sultant better gait serve as indicators of faults of extension and as 

 such they are a ready help to a proper balance ; but as permanent at- 

 tachments to the foot they can only be condoned when everything else 

 fails to effect that balance. To the spectator, or the general public, 

 who expect to see finished graduates from the training school appear 

 in the contests for supremacy in speed, such paraphernalia as toe- 

 weights, cumbersome boots and bandages, hopples, Raymond or simi- 

 lar head supports, all appear highly artificial, forced, unnecessary and 

 detracting from the real efficiency of the horse. The only appearance 

 of the horse at such contests of speed that will insure general ap- 

 proval should suggest efficiency by simplicity and beauty. No one 

 knows better than the trainer how difficult it is to effect such a com- 

 bination as efficiency, simplicity and beauty. Wherever and whenever 

 he has done so, a prompt recognition of his great ability has been 

 accorded him for the solution of so difficult a problem. That has 

 been and should always be the eminent endeavor of the American 

 trainer and on it rests not only the popularity and reputation, but also 

 the continuous improvement and evolution, of our American standard- 

 bred horse. 



IV. KNEE AND HOCK ACTION REGULATED BY WEIGHT AND 

 SHAPE OF SHOES. 



Following the remarks on toe-weights, and before the effect of 

 equal and unequal weight is entered into, it might be well to recall 

 the instantaneous pictures of Muybridge. That quartet of trotters, 

 Occident, Elaine, Edgington and Clay, will furnish some interesting 

 and instructive data concerning the comparative elevation of both 

 front and hind feet, as well as of knee and hock joints. 



In judging such elevations it should be remembered that the hock 

 joint is normally located a little higher than the knee joint and that 



