THE HORSE— A MACHINE 



The centre of gravity in tlie horse, standing naturally, has 

 been fixed at that 2>oint in the median vertical plane of the body 

 Avhere a perpendicular line from the posterior extremity of the 

 breast-bone intersects the line of division between the lower and 

 middle thirds of the body divided horizontally (Fig. 4). The 

 centre of gravity is stationary only when the horse is standing 



Fig. 5. — Diagram showing contact of feet in various gaits. A, standing, rectangular 

 base of support; B, walking, triangular base of support; C, trotting, linear base of support; 

 D, running, point base of support. 



absolutely stilL Wlien moving, there is a constantly repeated 

 displacement; ultimately in the direction taken by the leading 

 foot, although prior to the commencement of the stride, there is 

 a momentary displacement in the opposite direction, as the 

 weight is shifted to the supporting leg in order to reduce the 

 weight on the side of the foot to be advanced. 



