144 THE STUD. 



ailing leg or foot ; but by no means always so, 

 for in some cases it is very difficult, and aU but 

 impossible for them to do so. The difference of 

 their inclination whether to lead with the ailing, 

 or sound limb, I consider arises from whether the 

 pain or inconvenience consists in extension, or 

 pressure, and this will determine his choice as to 

 the leading limb. 



When the horse is in his gallop, of course the 

 number of times each foot comes to the 2:round 

 in a mile is the same ; so, in this respect, each 

 does its share of work ; but the nature of the 

 work, and the stress or strain on similar parts of 

 each limb is by no means equally disposed. Ex- 

 tension is the chief labour of the leading leg ; 

 support of the body that of the following one. 



Xow, in cases of shoulder lameness, soreness 

 of the muscles of the arm, or in any case where 

 extension is more painful than support, the horse 

 will not advance that limb ; he would prefer 

 placing, or rather going with it in a situation 

 where it might have more weight to support, but 

 with greater diminution of extension : but, sup- 

 posing the lameness to be in the foot, pastern, or 

 fetlock joints, where pressure upon them becomes 

 painful, and concussion renders that pressure still 

 more so, he will then put it where extension has 

 the greater call on the powers of the limb, and 

 support of the body (which is pressure) will be 



