104 



THE HORSE IN MOTION. 



tions in the order of movement of the feet are changes rendered neces- 

 sary by the low rate of speed in the latter. In Fig. i, Plate XXVII., the 

 cantering horse is seen in the act of leaving the ground with one fore 

 foot as in the run, and his feet are clear of the ground only for the dis- 

 tance of two feet and five inches, as indicated by the lines on the ground, 

 when the diagonal hind foot comes to the support of gravity, not under 

 its centre, as in the run, but behind it (see Fig. 4), and therefore cannot 

 prevent the body from falling forward. In order to prevent this result, 

 it is necessary that one of the fore feet should support it, and it is 

 always that fore foot which is diagonal to the hind one that is upon the 

 ground. The other hind foot follows at the usual distance from its fel- 

 low. He has now, through three Figures, three feet upon the ground, as 

 in the walk, after which the order of the run is resumed. Fig. 1 1 nearly 

 corresponds to Fig. i ; the difference observed is owing to a want of cor- 

 respondence in the time of exposure of the sensitive plate of the camera. 

 In Fig. i the fore leg has given its quick thrust, and the knee is slightly 

 bent as it is about to leave the ground, while in Fig. 1 1 it is still acting 

 as supporter and propeller. 



It is clear that if the animal moved with more will and greater speed, 

 planting his hind foot farther forward in support of the centre of gravity, 

 there would have been no necessity for the fore leg to have performed 

 that office ; and the pace would not have differed from the run. The 

 length of time during which three feet support the body gives time for 

 the rider to settle in the saddle, and causes that easy cradle-motion 

 which makes it a favorite gait with ladies. 



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