576 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



elevate simultaneously the four members, and touches the ground again 

 in the same manner. 



There are some horses which are specially trained, in riding- 

 schools, to buck and bound : these are the leapers between posts l and 

 the leapers at liberty. 2 In general they are compact, close to the 

 ground, wide over the back arid loins, very muscular, powerfully con- 

 structed, and have wide and strong hocks. A similar conformation 

 is required for kicking, a service which is sometimes exacted from 

 them. They become, in some instances, breathless and covered with 

 profuse perspiration. It is, at times, extremely difficult to mount them 

 and to remain on their backs even after having mounted them. They 

 should possess, besides these external characters, intelligence and good 

 moral qualities ; some are indocile, vicious, and dangerous ; finally, they 

 should be endowed with great energy, endurance, and good breeding. 



CHAPTER III. 



DEFECTS IN THE GAITS. 



WE will examine in this chapter the defects which, in a general 

 manner, may manifest themselves more or less distinctly in all the 

 gaits. To this end, we will arrange them under five different classes : 



I 1st. Dragging the toe. 

 2d. Excessive knee-action. 

 3d. Immobilized, cold, pegged 

 shoulders. 



B. Defects existing in the posterior j i st . String-halt. 



members alone. { 2d. Rotating hocks. 



C. Defects dependent upon the mode 1 



of association in raising the I 

 anterior feet and resting the [ For 9 m 9- 

 posterior feet. 



1 The leaper between posts is one that is attached, in the riding-school, between two pillars in 

 order to oblige him to leap upon place and in a certain manner. 



2 The leaper at liberty is one which, mounted at liberty, describes a trail like any other horse, 

 with this difference, that he executes the goat-leap or buck at the will of the horseman who 

 gives the lesson. 



