DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT. 343 



may gradually enlarge the circle, do figures of eight, and 

 end by working the horse on a straight line. 



Carrying the hind-quarters, in the canter or gallop, 

 outside the line of progression, and refusing to lead 

 except with one particular fore leg. — On page 249, I 

 have discussed appropriate means for correcting the 

 tendency which some horses have of keeping the body in a 

 position more or less oblique to the direction in which they 

 are going, when cantering or galloping. When a horse 

 persistently chooses to lead with one particular fore leg, at 

 these paces, we may neutralise this predilection, supposing 

 that the preference does not arise from unsoundness or 

 malformation, by practice at circling (with the long reins 

 and when mounted) to the opposite side. For instance, to 

 the right, if the near fore be the favoured one, in which 

 case we should also work him at turning on his forehand 

 to the left and at passaging to the right, until he is equally 

 handy with both fore legs. If the animal's habit be to lead 

 with the off fore, similar, though reversed, movements 

 should be executed. Making him canter "falsely" (see 

 page 292) with the less used fore leg will be of service in 

 "suppling him." 



Putting too much weight on the forehand when 

 mounted. — We may correct this fault by practice at 

 reining back with the long reins, and when mounted, by 

 teaching the horse the turn on the hind-quarters (see 

 page 293), and by collecting him (see page 238). With 

 horses which put too much weight on the forehand when 



