46 THE ACTION OF HORSES. 



Precise Action. 



All the movements fore and aft are executed in a 

 perfectly harmonious manner, the extent of the 

 stride and the period of repose being performed 

 with great regularity ; and horses with such action 

 are generally very safe animals either for hack, or 

 road work. It is seldom that young horses have 

 action of this kind, as it is the outcome of 

 practice, but, above all, of thorough tuition, by a 

 good horseman. 



Irregular Action. 



All horses that have been badly driven or ridden, 

 or improperly schooled, have an action of this 

 kind. They are always stumbling, and unsafe for 

 either riding, or driving. Defective conformation 

 of the limbs has a good deal to do with this kind 

 of action ; but no matter however good a horse 

 may be in its paces, a slovenly driver will easily 

 convert its action into one of irregularity and 

 sluggishness. 



