28 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



healthy organization and valuable indications of power under 

 hard strains of usage. 



Judging Action.— To form a correct idea of the action of 

 a horse, it is necessary to observe it from the front, at the sides, 

 and behind. As he squares away from you, the width and 

 straightness of the movement may be noticed. An outward 

 swing to the hind limbs, as well as a dishing in of the front 

 action, is to be discountenanced. As the horse comes toward 

 you, the smoothness of action is made apparent. A wide chest 

 is usually connected with a rolling motion that gives a horse an 

 awkward method of moving. From a side view, it is easy to 

 observe if the action is balanced, and the knee action can be 

 noted. A stifi' knee action may indicate speed when it is rapid 

 and gliding, but it is hard on the fore legs. The front action 

 should be such as to give the limbs the appearance of unfolding 

 gradually and steadily reaching out to cover as much ground as 

 possible. Many horses have an easy, pleasant knee action, but 

 the fault hes in the slowness of recovery. In the action of the 

 hind limbs, the style and hock movement should be observed. 

 Horses that are long-backed or weak-loined have a dwelling 

 action behind that is unpleasing and detracts from their speed. 

 If there is any thing the matter with the joints of a horse, it is 

 quickly disclosed by the irregularity of their action. Most in- 

 firmities have a distinct influence on the regularity of the move- 

 ment. The walk is also of great importance in considering the 

 action. The horse should carry his head well up and his step 

 should be lightly measured and deliberate, his feet being lifted 

 clear of the ground and placed down evenly. The hind and 

 fore limbs should work in unison, with an elastic, nervy move- 

 ment that lifts some of the soil with every step. The flexion of 

 the hocks should be free and straight, throwing the hind feet 

 well under the body. 



