Saddle Horses Classified 167 



hind legs sufficient to lift the weight and carry the 

 long body of the horse entirely over the hurdles. 

 As soon as the obstacle is passed, the forelegs sepa- 

 rate, so as not to make contact with the earth at the 

 same time. Thus the forefeet come in contact with 

 the earth in rapid succession, and they are imme- 

 diately followed by the hind feet landing separately, 

 in such a manner as to deaden the shock. All the 

 feet are now free to gallop off as before the leap 

 (Fig. 41). 



CLASSES OF SADDLE HORSES 



There are three classes of saddle horses : the walk- 

 ing horse ; the walk, trot and canter horse ; and the 

 five-gaited saddle horse, to which may be added two 

 others, the hunter and the high-school horse. The 

 walking horse is one well trained at the running walk 

 gait. This is the business horse, and is in demand 

 on ranches, plantations, large farms, and the like. 

 The walk, trot, and canter horse is an animal well 

 trained in the three gaits and is in demand wherever 

 saddle horses are used. The gaited saddle horse 

 is required to go five gaits. He must be able to 

 walk, trot, rack, and canter, and for the fifth gait 

 he may choose any one of the three slow gaits, the 

 running walk, fox trot, or slow pace. This horse 

 is in demand for pleasure and show purposes. The 

 hunter is usually able to go most of the saddle gaits, 

 and in addition is well trained at the jump, while 



