CHAPTER lY. 



ACTION. 



Let the groom run the horse at a nice slow trot, 

 letting the animal have its head, and allowing 

 plenty of rein for this purpose. The man should 

 run straight on, dropping his hand the while. 

 This enables the examiner to see the horse trot 

 fairly and naturally. Whilst the horse is trotting 

 away from one in this slow way, the action of 

 the hind-legs can be carefully noted ; the move- 

 ment of each joint should be carefully watched, 

 especially that of the hocks and fetlocks. Note 

 should be taken as to whether the movements of 

 these joints are free or stiff, and whether the horse 

 drops on one of the legs. And it is always to 

 be remembered that, if a horse is lame on the 

 near or left leg, he will drop on the off or right 

 leg, this being caused by the weight being put 



