134 Training the Trotter , Coacher and Roadster 



cates the action and the ease with which the horse 

 can be balanced. Thus the horse with thick withers 

 and wide chest is Hkely to roll his feet outward in 

 traveling. In the case of a horse with a short neck 

 and heavy head, much difficulty is experienced in 

 bringing out his action because of the poor relation 

 between the head and neck. In this case the action 

 will be short and stilted. The first requirement, 

 therefore, for straight, undeviating action is that 

 the horse be of proper conformation (Fig. 29) . 



The action of any horse can be improved by 

 adopting the proper system of training, although 

 but little progress can be made without good con- 

 formation and a tendency to show action. With- 

 out the conformation, or the inclination, it is hopeless 

 to try to develop action to a degree that will make 

 it worth the time and effort. On the other hand, 

 a horse with head and neck of proper relation and 

 well joined, that has a responsive mouth and some 

 ambition, that has the various parts of the body 

 in correct proportions and stands squarely on his 

 legs, will when urged get his head up and nose in, and 

 if restrained at the same time, by the use of the 

 proper bit, will show superior action. 



In training the horse for high action there are 

 three factors that require special attention : bitting, 

 shoeing and conditioning. 



Bitting to improve action. — Now that we come to 

 the special study of bitting to improve action, it 



