386 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



when the foot is set down, the sole should fall flat, so 

 that the toe does not first touch the ground. The 

 legs should be thrown straight out ; that is, the toes 

 should neither be turned outwards nor inwards, nor 

 should the sole be seen by a person standing on either 

 side. In a larger-sized horse, the step must be 

 lengthy and regular ; in a smaller, compact horse, it 

 ought to be sharp, active, and springy ; and in either 

 the marks produced on the ground by the fore-feet 

 should be stepped on by those of the hind-feet ; if, 

 however, the animal is wide hipped, the hind-feet will 

 rest on the outside of the marks left by the fore-feet. 

 The head should be carried high. 



In trotting, see that the horse does not lift his feet 

 too high, and that he places them flatly and firmly on 

 the ground, for if the toe first touches the ground, he 

 is liable to trip. If the shoe is examined, it will at 

 once indicate the part which comes soonest in contact 

 with the ground, by being most worn down. Blood- 

 horses never raise their feet so well as those of more 

 inferior breeding, and are in consequence not so safe 

 to ride upon the road. Their action in the trot will, 

 however, be found much more pleasant and easy to 

 the rider. Blind horses are almost invariably high 

 steppers, and therefore whenever you find a horse 

 lifting his legs very high, it would be prudent to 

 examine his eyes carefully. 



Ladies generally prefer horses which go at a 

 canter instead of a trot. Indeed, it is a much safer 

 action for them, in consequence of their peculiar seat. 

 In the choice of a lady's horse, take care that he has 

 been accustomed to lead with both legs ; because he 

 is capable of longer duration, and the wear of his feet 

 and shoes will be more equal. In the canter the hind- 

 legs should be thrown well under the body, because it 



