THE GAITS 



So far as this gait is the result of training, it 

 can be corrected,, though with difficulty. But if it 

 is hereditary, it can seldom be changed. I have 

 myself had occasion, in the United States, to al- 

 ter a good many amblers into trotters. My own 

 method is by cavesson and breaking-strap, a tire- 

 some device, but fairly quick and sure. The 

 progression through the reasoned equitation is the 

 best corrective; but this also is very tedious, since 

 the work must be done, partly on foot, and partly 

 mounted in place. Even then, if the horse is put 

 to the trot and begins to amble, he must be stopped 

 at once, lest he become confused and not under- 

 stand what is asked of him. 



The rack is between a walk and an amble. The 

 four limbs advance by a lateral motion, slower 

 than at the amble, faster and shorter than at the 

 walk. But in order to do this, the muscles of neck, 

 back, loins, and haunches have to be kept con- 

 tracted, so that the entire vertebral column is 

 held immobile. This is especially noticeable in the 

 pelvic region and at the coupling. The hind hand 

 receives no trajection as in the walk and trot. The 

 rear limbs move below the croup without any 

 lift-and-drop at each step. The sacral region re- 

 mains rigid. The stride is short and quick. 



The front legs are neither completely in lateral, 

 nor yet completely in diagonal. Each reaches 

 forward and returns supporting the load, a little 

 in advance of the rear limb on the same side. But 



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