566 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



Deducting from this quantity the distance of the projection (1.60 m.), 

 it is proved that the space covered by the animal was 2.814 m., with a 

 diagonal base of 1.92 m. 



We will, nevertheless, remark, with M. Lenoble dti Teil, that 

 nothing is so variable as the step of this gallop. By comparing the 

 different associations of the imprints left upon the ground by horses 

 of an identical external appearance, one is surprised at the differences 

 which exist among them. Not only have their trails but little analogy, 

 but even two successive strides of the same subject appear completely 

 dissimilar. It follows from this that, in order to understand how the 

 trail of the race-horse is produced in its details, it becomes necessary 

 to analyze the complete series of each one of his steps. 



This is the reason that not even an approximate length of these 

 steps can be given : they vary, in fact, from 4 to 7 metres, a very wide 

 range. 



Be this as it may, the posterior imprints are always considerably 

 in front of the corresponding anterior. It is necessary, therefore, that 

 the anterior members be raised very promptly to avoid their being 

 struck by the posterior. Hence the race-horse, not considering his 

 conformation, frequently overreaches when his speed is pushed to its 

 extreme and when his training has been incomplete. The examina- 

 tion of the instantaneous photographs, for this purpose, verifies this 

 statement. 



Another important fact worthy of mention in this connection is 

 that the imprints left upon the ground by a running-horse follow each 

 .other upon the same straight line as if made by the spokes of a wheel 

 deprived of its felloe (Lenoble du Teil). This indicates a minimum 

 size, in a transverse sense, of the base of support, and, consequently, 

 great instability as well as enormous speed. 



M. Lenoble du Teil estimated that the velocity of the trunk is 

 equal to ^ of that of the feet, and as Sallie Gardner, upon which he 

 made his study, travelled about 1 9 metres per second, it can be inferred 

 how difficult it is for the eye to analyze the phases of such a rapid 

 movement. 



It is, consequently, not astonishing that nearly all artists have rep- 

 resented the ordinary gallop and the running gallop incorrectly. The 

 horse suspended in the air with the four members pointed in opposite 

 directions, as is shown by all the classical reproductions, is in a false 

 attitude, which is contradicted by the instantaneous photographs now- 

 adays becoming more and more numerous. The members, during the 

 projection, are not extended, but in reality flexed, gathered under the 



