SCIENCE OF COMMON" THINGS. 



25 



Action of centrifugal force in equestrian sports. 



rapidly, tends to throw him away from, the corner y 

 therefore, he inclines inwards to counteract it. 



143 Why does a horse in a circus ring lean towards the centre 1 



When the horse moves rapidly around the circular 

 course, the centrifugal force generated, tends to throw 

 him over, outwardly, or away from the centre of the 

 ring ; and this tendency the animal counteracts, by 

 inclining his body in an opposite direction. 



Fig. 7. 



In all equestrian feats exhibited in the circus, it will be observed that 

 not only the horse but the rider inclines his body towards the centre, 

 Fig. 7, and according as the speed of the horse round the ring is increased, 

 this inclination becomes more considerable. "When the horse walks 

 slowly round a large ring this inclination of his body is imperceptible ; if 

 he trot there is a visible inclination inwards, and if he gallop he inclines 

 still more, and when urged to full speed he leans very far over on his 

 side, and his feet will be heard to strike against the partition which defines 

 the ring. The explanation of all this is, that the centrifugal force caused 

 by the rapid motion around the ring tends to throw the horse out of, and 

 away from, the circular course, and this he counteracts by leaning 

 inwards. 



144 Why do water-dogs give a semi-rotary movement to their skin to 

 free themselves from water ? 



Because in this way a centrifugal force is generated, 

 which causes the drops of water aaherent to them to 

 fly off. 



