XIII. 



When and How Should the Gallop be Exacted in the First 

 Part of Horse Training? Almost invariahly tlu' ^/allop l.-ssoii 

 should be begun early. There is tlu^n available an addi- 

 tional means of suppling the horse, of strengthening him, 

 extending him and pushing him straight ahead. JUit a fixed 

 rule can not be laid down with horses and especially in this 

 matter; the time to take up first work at a gallop depends 

 upon the conformation of the horse, his condition, his leg 

 development and the kind of ground available. It would 

 be stupidity to gallop frequently on a colt that drags his 

 legs and is disunited at a trot and that has diiiiculty in 

 holding up the part essential to training. On the other 

 hand, it is proper to gallop repeatedly on a vigorous horse 

 that has been worked before purchase, on the horse with 

 good strong legs and particularly after he has been thorough- 

 ly confirmed in the correct trot. 



This is a matter of common sense and experience; a 

 horseman will promptly decide at what moment he can pro- 

 fitably begin gallop work with the horse he is riding or with 

 the squad he is instructing. 



The Gallop by Increase of Gait. Utility of Work on a Circle. 

 Passing from the walk to the gallop may be considered as a 

 test of advanced training; it will therefore be entirely out of 

 place at this stage and we must take up the gallop only by 

 increasing the gait from the trot. Moreover, it is essential 

 that the horse shall work equally well on l)oth sides and 

 since, on the circle, the horse is set to lead on the inside 

 leg, we have an opportunity to insure the galloj) \vm\ on 

 either foot. 



Increasing the gait from a trot on a circle furnishes 

 therefore the means of fulfilling the two essential conditions 

 just cited. 



(ol) 



