THE HORSE IN MOTION. ,21 



the higher action of the free limbs, and this action indicates a higher 

 rate of speed than is possible in the walk. 



In the succeeding plate the walk is again represented and is un- 

 mistakable, as the three feet are supporting weight, as indicated 

 both by their position and the yielding of the pasterns. 



In Plate LXIII. we see the sluggish run in which the speed or 

 momentum of the horse does not permit the propulsion of the fore 

 leg to carry the body clear cf the ground before the hind ones come 

 to the support of the centre of gravity prematurely, and which con- 

 stitutes the pace known as the canter. (See ]Dage 103.) 



The fast trot is shown in Plate LXIV. Plate LXVI. seems to 

 be a fast walk, in which the groom is urging the horse into a trot. 

 The position may be interpreted into either a walk or a trot. 



Plate LXVI I. represents a position in the leap, and is fully ex- 

 plained in the sixth chapter. 



The walk is further illustrated in the two following plates. 

 In Plate LXXI. a position in the trot is shown where the feet 

 are all clear of the ground. Before the fore leg, which is extending 

 forward to reach the ground, makes the contact, it must be straight- 

 ened and the toes raised, as in Plate LXIV. As already stated, it 

 is difificult in some of the "Illustrations" to determine a slow trot 

 from a fast walk, for there may be an instant of time in the trot 

 when three feet are on the ground. The mechanical action is the 

 same in both paces, and the distinction is based on the speed. This 

 difificulty could not occur where the reader has the advantage of a 

 consecutive series of views, as is shown in Plate L. 



The heavy Clydesdale in Plate LXXI I. is shown in the am- 

 bling pace in which the weight of the body is borne and the propul- 

 sion performed by the two extremities of the same side. 



The canter is illustrated in Plate LXXVIH. The support is 

 here given by the left fore leg, and the greater flexion of the diag- 

 onal right indicates that it is the next in order to perform that func- 

 tion. The degree of action indicates a low rate of speed, which 

 could be attained in the trot with greater ease to the horse if not 

 to his rider. 



16 



