WAY OF GOING— THE FUNCTION 23 



Running walk is a slow, single foot or four-beat gait, inter- 

 mediate between the walk and rack, suggestive of a continued 

 breaking out of a walk. It is the business gait in the South and 

 West, where gaited horses are ridden extensively, since it can be 

 maintained all day. It is good for six to eight miles an hour, 

 with the greatest possible ease to both horse and rider. 



The fox trot is a short, broken, nodding trot, in which the 

 hind legs go in more or less of a lateral step. It is used as a 

 substitute for the running walk. 



The stepping pace is distinct from the ordinary pace of the 

 harness horse, being characterized by very little if any side 

 motion and a somewhat broken cadence in the action of the lateral 

 pairs of legs. 



The traverse is a side step, in which the forehand and hind- 

 quarters respond to both rein and heel; it is useful in open- 

 ing and closing gates, when riding after cattle, also to " dress " 

 or take position in a troop drill. 



FACTORS DETERMINING WAY OF GOING 



The factors determining a horse's way of going are either 

 natural or acquired. The former consist of type, conformation, 

 direction of leg and form of foot, and breeding. The acquired 

 influences are schooling, handling, and mechanical appliances. 



Type. — The close observer of athletic events is impressed 

 with either the distinctiveness which exists among the winners 

 of the different events or the similarity of type of those who excel 

 in the same feats. 



On account of the correlation between form and function, 

 a horse must do as he is. His capabilities in the way of per- 

 formance will be limited in some respects and extended in others, 

 according to the plan of his structure. A short, thick, low set 

 horse will have more power than speed, the reverse being equally 

 true. A cobby horse has a trappy stride, while the stride of a 

 tall, rangy horse is characterized by reach. 



Conformation. — A horse low in the forehand is liable to 

 forge, while one long and loosely coupled will have a tendency 

 toward an incoordinate way of going. 



