68 THEORY OF MOUTHING. 



as the speed, the liability of injury to the fore legs, as 

 compared to that of the hind ones, will vary in the same 

 proportion. Bringing too much of the weight back, especi- 

 ally when jumping (see page 243), is apt to throw an injurious 

 amount of strain on the hind legs. 



In rearing, there is extreme preponderance of weight 

 on the hind legs ; in kicking with both hind feet, on the 

 fore ones. The rider can lighten the forehand : (i) by 

 leaning back in the saddle ; (2) by raising the horse's head ; 

 (3) by moderating the speed ; and (4) by applying the 

 drawn-back heels or spurs, so as to make the horse bring 

 his hind legs well under him, and at the same time check- 

 ing with the reins any increase of speed. When increased 

 action of the fore legs is prevented from being utilised in a 

 forward direction, it is expended in a more or less vertical 

 one, as we may see in the case of fashionable harness horses 

 which are broken on the " hit 'em and hold 'em " principle. 

 As the instability of the centre of gravity increases propor- 

 tionately to the speed (see Points of the Horse) ; the slower the 

 pace, other things being equal, the lighter will be the fore- 

 hand ; and vice versa. 



The rider can increase the weight on the forehand : ( i ) by 

 leaning forward in the saddle ; (2) by lowering the horse's 

 head ; (3) by increasing the speed ; and (4) by applying the 

 feet to the horse's shoulders. 



As the effects of " work " show far more frequently in the 

 fore legs than in the hind ones of our hunters, racehorses, 

 chasers, troopers, and hacks, we may, I think, infer that 

 our horses are as a rule too heavy in front. If the correct 

 proportion of weight between the two sets of limbs was 

 maintained more accurately, these horses would undoubtedly 

 last longer. Consequently, the adoption of improved 

 methods of breaking would effect a large saving of money 

 to individuals, and also to the State. 



