412 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



turned outwards nor inwards, nor should the sole be seen by 

 a person standing on either side. In a larger-sized horse, 

 the step must be lengthy and regular ; in a smaller, com- 

 pact horse, it ought to be sharp, active, and springy ; and in 

 either the marks produced on the ground by the fore feet 

 should be stepped on by those of the hind feet ; if, however, 

 the animal is wide hipped, the hind feet will rest on the 

 outside of the marks left by the fore feet. Tlie head should 

 be carried high. 



In trotting, see that the horse does not lift his feet too 

 high, and that he places them flatly and firmly on the 

 ground, for if the toe first touches the ground, he is liable 

 to trip. If the shoe is examined, it will at once indicate 

 the part which comes soonest in contact with the ground, 

 by being most worn down. Blood-horses never raise their 

 feet so well as those of more inferior breeding, and are in 

 consequence not so safe to ride upon the road. Their 

 action in the trot will, however, be found much more plea- 

 sant and easy to the rider. Blind horses are almost invari- 

 ably high steppers, and therefore whenever you find a horse 

 lifting his legs very high, it would be prudent to examine 

 his eyes carefully. 



Ladies generally prefer horses which go at a canter in- 

 stead of a trot. Indeed it is a much safer action for them, 

 in consequence of their peculiar seat. In the choice of a 

 lady's horse, take care that he has been accustomed to lead 

 with both legs ; because he is capable of longer duration, 

 and the wear of his feet and shoes will be more equal. In 

 the canter the hind legs should be thrown well under the 

 body, because it is a minor species of gallop. It wiL be 

 found that horses with an oblique shoulder will perform 

 both the canter and gallop better than those which are more 

 upright. 



