RIDING AND TRAINING. 159 



the right hind-foot), then upon two feet (the right 

 fore-foot and the right hind-foot), then upon three 

 feet (the two hind-feet and the right fore-foot), then 

 upon two feet (the left fore-foot and the right hind- 

 foot), and the same order is repeated* while the 

 animal moves in the same pace. 



A horse stumbles if one of the fore- feet strikes an 

 object as it is being advanced ; but the danger of a 

 fall is most imminent at the moment the foot is being 

 planted, for at that instant the weight is borne by a 

 pair of diagonal legs over which the centre of gravity 

 has passed ; and, unless the hind-leg opposite to the 

 obstructed fore-leg is moved up under the body 

 to support the mass, and raise the forehand, the 

 animal must come down. 



Of course, a horse may trip with one of the hind- 

 feet, but a moment's reflection will show us that 

 there is but little danger of a fall, for the centre 

 of gravity being thrown to the rear checks the 

 momentum of the mass, and gives the animal an 

 opportunity of recovering from the disorder before 

 the centre of gravity has passed over the bearers, 

 an effort in which the outward turned hock-joint of 

 the planted hind-leg gives its assistance. 



The horse has less stability in the true walk than 

 in any other pace, but if the mounted horse be 

 collected between the hand and heels of its rider, 



