y6 



THE HORSE IN MOTION. 



joint, for, as already shown, they act together automatically. The 

 flexors proper of the thigh are now making their force felt with that of 

 the semitendinosus, and the stifle is being drawn forward. The flexors 

 of the foot, being propelling muscles, are inactive, and the semiflexec 

 position of the joints of the feet is owing to the reaction of the suspen- 

 sory ligaments. 



In Fig. 1 1 the right fore foot is clear of the ground, and the left is 

 in a position corresponding with that of the right in Fig. 9, but 

 right is not in a corresponding position with the left in the same 

 figure. The right hind foot is preparing to take its place in the order 

 of succession, to be followed by the other hind foot in its turn. 



FIG. 12. 



In Fig. 1 2 the stride is completed. On comparison with Fig. 2, it 

 will be seen that the body is advanced somewhat beyond that in the 

 latter, and it is again about to leave the ground with the left fore foot, 

 and the energy of the propelling forces have already sent the body up 

 nearly to the horizontal gauge-line. This order in the movement is 

 continued until the animal feels fatigue in the left fore leg from the 

 continued use of it in giving the final impulse to clear the ground, 

 when, as before said, it is in his power to change it and leave the 

 ground with the other fore leg. 



