24 ESSAYS ON HORSE SUBJECTS 



A horse may be said to be "balanced" when every 

 leg bears its proper proportion of weight and 

 also exerts its share of propulsion. The position 

 of the head is very important in regulating bal- 

 ance. If it is carried too low, too much weight 

 is thrown on the fore extremities ; if too high, too 

 much strain is put on the hind ones. It is most 

 important that the head shall be carried steadily 

 and in proper position, for a want of firmness in 

 its carriage is apt to put a horse off his balance 

 and consequently lead to "hitching." 



