276 Gait of the American Trotter and Pacer 



Fig. 201. The near fore and the off hind retain their positions almost 

 as in the trot C and are connected with these by lines to show that 

 fact. Again, as to the time-beats we have a mixture of the regular 

 i, 2, 3, 4 of the single-foot and the even i, 2 of the trot, for in X 

 we find the i and 2 fairly evenly divided, while the 3 and 4 follow 

 closely together, as the dash between the figures is meant to indicate. 

 The alignment of these four gaits by the positions of the feet and 

 their time-beats, as represented in Fig. 202, will serve as a study in 

 comparative locomotion. 



To correct the shoeing of Fig. 201, which produced the mixed 

 gait, the next trial was made with the shoeing of Fig. 203, where 

 the principles of unequal angles and weights were supposed to adjust 

 matters again to their normal conditions. The extensions as given, and 

 the whole gait for that matter, proved that the mare was moving fairly 

 well. She was at least free from any trace of single- footing. The 

 near fore still retains the habitual extension, due no doubt to fear 

 of interference on that side, but behind the change is remarkable. The 

 calks in hind shoes have a material influence on the separation of the 

 fore and hind feet, for, in this trial, the average is 3.01 ft. against 

 1.85 ft. in the previous one, while the stride also is more free and 

 extended. 



All in all, therefore, the correction brought about a definite im- 

 provement. The heels of both hind shoes are alike; that is to say, 

 the heels of the near hind are not %. in. longer as they were in the 

 previous shoeing. This had undoubtedly a great deal to do with her 

 irregular gait, but the greater hind extension was principally due to 

 the heavier hind shoes with smooth heels*. This is especially true of 

 horses that point under as this mare did. The check to such pointing 

 seems to be calked heels and these modify not only the extension, but 

 also change the inclination to reach forward to one of higher action. 



Whenever such a mixed gait occurs an immediate recourse to 

 these measurements and their averages will locate the fault without fail 

 and will at least enable the trainer to understand the trouble. We may 

 at times be in error regarding a shoeing and a mixed gait may be our 

 reward, but after an investigation of this sort which takes much 



