THE POINTS OF THE HORSE 



145 



The horse at the walk should follow a straight line on 

 being led, not swinging the body to one side. The feet 

 should be raised with snap, and carried forward and upward, 

 and the knee and hock flexed, as it is termed. In this flexing 

 movement, the foot describes a half circle before it strikes 

 the ground. Heavy horses tend to swing the feet to one 

 side, or paddle or wing, as it is sometimes called. When 



Fig. 72. A good attitude, and correct position of legs. Photograph by 

 courtesy The Farmer. 



the feet in motion come too close together, the horse is said 

 to " interfere," that is, the hoof of one foot will strike the 

 ankle of another and may cause lameness. As the foot is 

 raised, a person standing behind a horse in motion should be 

 able to see the glisten of the shoe and note the carriage of the 

 foot. 

 10, 



