FORGING, OVER-REACHING 43 



ness of flexion and extension of the forelegs. 

 Such horses are liable to forge. Those that 

 stand lower at the withers than they do at the 

 highest point of the croup are also liable to this 

 fault, as are also low-headed horses, particu- 

 larly if they are of a sluggish temperament, as 

 they not only lack "snap" in their action, but the 

 lowness forward interferes with the freedom of 

 the forward action. 



In addition to the predisposing causes of forg- 

 ing there are a number of exciting ones, and 

 horses that cannot be said to be predisposed may 

 be found to forge under certain circumstances. 

 Perhaps the exciting cause most frequently in 

 operation is the lack of strength or condition. 

 Many young horses forge for a time, or until 

 they have been fed and worked sufficiently to 

 establish nervous force and proper muscular de- 

 velopment, so that they have perfect control of 

 their legs. 



Horses that are not in good condition may go 

 a mile or two without "clicking," but as soon as 

 they become fatigued or winded, begin to forge. 

 They are particularly apt to do this if driven or 

 ridden fast at first, and the more so if the weight 

 they are drawing or carrying is excessive for the 

 pace at which they are traveling. 



Horses that are called upon to carry a rider — 

 not being used to it — may temporarily show this 



