THE GALLOP. 27 



be observed, and the disunited and irregular run is the 

 consequence. 



THE LEAD IN THE GALLOP. 



The horse, in the gallop and in the run, is said to lead 

 with the fore-leg from which he goes into air. In a state 

 of nature this would be the fore-leg upon the strongest 

 side of the hind-quarters, for from the posterior extremity 

 the mass is driven forward. Under the saddle, the horse 

 may be made to take either lead, by the rider pressing 

 the croup about to the side with which it is intended he 

 should lead, and lightening that side of the forehand 

 with the bit, so that the propulsive force will come from 

 the proper side of the hind-quarters, and the required 

 fore-leg will be induced to take the lead. 



HOW THE HORSE CHANGES THE LEAD. 

 The horse changes his lead in the gallop when the 

 weight has been taken by a hind-foot and the fore legs 

 are in air. At this moment he advances the fore-leg 

 that has been used to divide the weight with the pos- 

 teriors, and when he goes into air from it, he changes the 

 order of his hind-legs, and he is then true in the gallop 

 with a new lead. It is a knowledge of this fact that 

 permits the rider to change the lead of the gallop at 

 will. 



D 



