94 THE HORSE 



supporting the saddle glides evenly forward, and there 

 is no bounding or jolting. These four, with the natural 

 gaits, are the most frequently used. 



To do any of the gaits well, the horse should have 

 what is called "shoulder action" as indicated by deep, 

 oblique shoulders. These saddle-horses can be taught 

 to go the eastern high -school gaits of the walk, trot 

 and canter type, if such perversion of taste is desired. 

 They are also fine roadsters and do not show thei 

 saddle gaits in harness. Contrary to general impres- 

 sions, such use does not lessen their value as saddlers 

 or make them forget their gaits. 



The Englishman knows but three gaits on the 

 road, the walk, trot and canter. But in the South 

 the warm climate has necessitated the easier gaits. 

 The American saddler has not been popular in New 

 York and other eastern cities. It requires skill 

 to keep the gaited horse, and he is more expensive 

 than the hackney. The Englishman has the best 

 hunter, but the American breeds the best saddle- 

 horse in the world. 



We are now far from using the saddle-horse en- 

 tirely for war. For power, he is giving place to steam 

 and electricity; but, as the world progresses and becomes 

 more wealthy, the saddle-horse will be popular as the 

 most delightful means of locomotion and exercise, and 

 of peaceful, restful and inspiring pastime. 



See page 332 for illustration of "A saddler at rest," which by over- 

 sight was left out of this chapter. 



