THE GALLOP 



153 



to bear a greater weight and for a longer time, even supposing no rider is 

 on the animal's back. 



Over extension rather than concussion or sudden jerks is the most 



frequent cause of strained back tendons. When galloping, or indeed going 

 at any other pace in deep ground, sprain of the leg that is not leading is 

 liable from the fact that it has just prior to the period of suspension to help 



raise the fore-hand by making the fetlock straight, and in addition to over- 

 come the suction of wet land. 



The fast galloper has never more than two feet on the ground, or rarely 

 and but for a fraction of a second, suspension being brought about by 

 flexing (doubling up) the legs rather than by elevating the body from the 

 ground. 



As IN THE CANTER so in the gallop, a lead is always made of one leg 



