^6 THEORY OF MOUTHING. 



leaning forward in the saddle ; (2) by lowering the horse's 

 head ; (3) by increasing the speed ; and (4) by applying the 

 feet to the horse's shoulders. 



As the effects of '* work " show far more frequently in the 

 fore legs than in the hind ones of our hunters, racehorses, 

 chasers, troopers, and hacks ; we may, I think, infer that 

 our horses are as a rule too heavy in front. If the correct 

 proportion of weight between the two sets of limbs was 

 maintained more accurately, these horses would undoubtedly 

 last longer. Consequently, the adoption of improved 

 methods of breaking would effect a large saying of money 

 to individuals, and also to the State. 



The harness horse, I may observe, has to put on his fore- 

 hand an extra amount of weight proportionate to the load 

 he has to draw. 



Carriage and action of the head and neck of the 

 horse when he is in motion. — When the horse takes a 

 stride to the front, the fore limb is drawn forward and 

 upward by certain muscles of the neck, the action of which 

 is regulated by the depression or elevation of the head. If 

 the head be unduly raised, the forward reach of the fore 

 legs will be curtailed by this high attitude, and the speed 

 will consequently suffer. If, on the contrary, the head be 

 brought down too low, the animal, if at the gallop or canter, 

 instead of " going level," will have a more or less pitching 

 motion, from too much weight being thrown on his fore- 

 hand ; and will lose time in his stride by excessive bending 

 of the knees, which is necessary in that case to enable his 

 feet to clear the ground. 



