J74 Gait of the American Trotter and Pacer 



and about to touch the ground M N. This is about what would hap- 

 pen when the motions could be brought before the reader by the 

 kinetoscope. 



It will be evident why weight of shoe is likely to increase the 

 rapidity of the motion curves n (hind) and m (fore) these being the 

 upward curves of hind and front action and also why the difference 

 between the rapidity of motion curves F r (hind foot) and C s (fore 

 foot) is due not only to the difference in angles of E and B, but also to 

 their different elevations. While the curve C s is and must be de- 

 scribed more quickly than the curve F r in order to have both feet 

 reach the ground at the same moment, the chances for extension for 

 the fore foot C are not as natural as are those of hind foot F ; that is 

 to say, the direction of the curve F r of the hind foot is more inclined 

 toward extension than the direction of C s of fore foot. In other 

 words, the unfolding of fore leg is not, under ordinary conditions, as 

 favorable to forward extension as is the straightening out of hind leg 

 with its more open angle and better natural direction for extension 

 as compared with the fore. 



These conclusions were drawn from numerous cases, some of 

 which will now be given. Great care has been employed in general- 

 izing from the actual results obtained, and although the interrelation 

 of the four moving feet makes the study of balancing very intricate, 

 the repetition of effects from similar causes and with different horses 

 should warrant the conclusions so drawn. 



Through the kind co-operation of Mr. K. O'Grady and his sons 

 of San Mateo, Cal., I have been able to accomplish a great deal in 

 these investigations, and one of the interesting cases there was a bay 

 gelding by Sable Wilkes. He was a powerful individual, with only 

 medium action in front, and could trot a mile easily in 2:25, and be- 

 sides was a great roadster, with the ability o-f pulling a buggy without 

 visible exertion. He had, however, one fault that made him go un- 

 even, and to remedy this he was taken in hand. His off hind foot was 

 short in forward extension, and was often placed inside of the off 

 fore foot, a common manner of shifting with horses so afflicted. Such 

 a way of going was certainly fatal to speed around the turns, besides 



