THE ACTION OF HORSES 45 



action. The term " extravagant action" is employed 

 by horsemen as expressive of high action in a super- 

 lative degree. There is a remarkable difference 

 amongst horses with high or extravagant action in 

 the manner in which they bring their feet to the 

 ground. Some will do so, so lightly, that the effects 

 of concussion, are reduced to a minimum. 



Extensive Action. 



Also termed free or pitching action. Horses 

 having this form of action have a long forward 

 stride, throwing the limbs freely in front of them. 

 Long shoulders and a long fore-arm — in fact, length 

 of Hmb fore and aft — are essential for an action of 

 this kind. 



Confined Action. 



This is characterised by a short stride. But all 

 horses having this kind of action are not neces- 

 sarily slow-paced, the number of movements in 

 a given time enabling them very often to cover 

 more ground than a horse with an extensive stride. 

 Horses of this class usually have low withers, a 

 short back, and short legs. 



