146 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



The movement of the feet in the trot is such that diago- 

 nally opposite ones are moved in the same direction; that is, 

 the front right and left hind feet move forward together. 

 The trot is known as a diagonal gait. 



The movement of the feet in the pace shows the two legs 

 on one side of the body in like motion at the same time. The 

 pace is a side gait, and pacing horses are sometimes called 

 "side-wheelers." 



The action of the horse is highly valued. A heavy draft 

 horse that has a rapid and true walk will accomplish much 

 more work than will the horse of slow movement. A fast 

 trot is not necessary with the heavy horse; but when moving 

 faster than a walk, a horse should carry his legs with spirit 

 and ease. A premium is always placed on the action of the 

 carriage horse for the city coach trade, high knee and hock 

 action being especially valued. The roadster or trotter of 

 first class must have a long, active, true stride, such as always 

 goes with superior speed. 



Quality in the horse is shown in the hair, the skin and 

 bone, and in the general appearance. A fine, silky coat of 

 hair; a thin, mellow skin; and fineness of bone, are features 

 that show refinement, or quality. Coarseness of head; 

 large ears for the size of the body; wiry, heavy hair; and 

 coarseness of bone, indicate lack of endurance and weakness 

 of constitution. A large, coarse bone is more porous and 

 less strong in proportion than one that is finer and smaller 

 Fineness and softness of skin is an indication of good secre- 

 tions and healthy internal organs. If ample quality occurs, 

 we get the most durability and stamina, or power of endur- 

 ance. 



The disposition of the horse is usually seen in the promi- 

 nence and character of the eye and the carriage of the ears. 

 If the eye is prominent and the whites clear, and the expres- 



