15 



PLATE XIII. 



THE GALLOP. 



In the race-horse the necessary points differ from the hunter and 

 road-horse. In the first place he is not got so much up in the fore- 

 hand, which makes a great difference in his appearance. The ewe- 

 necked horses are in general speedy, although this qualification is by 

 no means desirable for any other purpose. It is commonly supposed 

 that length in the pastern is indispensable in the race-horse, but this 

 opinion appears to me to be very erroneous, except as it regards a 

 light weight and a short course. I have taken notice that the best 

 horses of the present day are well formed, and strong in the legs. 

 In full action the leg should be thrown well out, with a quick stroke, 

 rather near the ground than otherwise. All the legs should point 

 straight forward, and appear to act with ease to themselves. If a 

 horse should rock, that is, throw his quarters from one side to the 

 other, he never can be speedy ; he should seem to glide over the 

 surface of the ground without any symptoms of violent action. 

 Horses vary greatly in the gather, or method of bringing their legs 

 together after being well opened in the reach. If he makes the 

 stride too far, it will oblige him to throw up his back like a hog, to 

 form the gather. Any action varying from a direct line forward must 

 impede his progress. All horses should gallop nearly on the same 

 principle ; but it is necessary that military horses and dashing road- 

 sters should raise themselves more on their haunches, and, as it is 

 commonly called, fight a little more with their forehand. 



