THE HORSEMAN. 59 







SECTION VII. The Gallop. 

 (See Plate XXL) 



In this pace, the horse makes three quick and distinct 

 beats : first, the near hind foot ; secondly, the near fore 

 foot and the off hind foot, which touch the ground at the 

 same time ; and lastly, the off fore foot.* 



When the rider wishes to gallop from a halt, walk, or 

 trot, he should first raise the bridle hand firmly, then 

 slacken rein and close the legs, or give spur until the 

 horse obeys (according to the sensibility of the horse), 

 and confine him to the speed he wishes by drawing a 

 firm rein and relaxing the pressure of the legs. 



It is immaterial which foot leads when galloping on a 

 straight line, provided the hind leg of the same side fol- 

 lows the fore leg.f It would be injurious to the horse, 

 however, were he to lead always with the same leg. 



When a horse gallops to the right, or on a circle (the 

 rider inclining inwards and supporting himself with the 

 outer thigh), he must lead with the off fore foot, followed 

 by the hind foot of the same side. When galloping to 

 the left, or on a circle to the left, he must lead with the 



* This is the order when the off fore foot leads ; it is reversed 

 when the near fore foot is in advance. 



f The horse should lead with the oft fore foot on a straight 

 line if the rider uses a sabre ; for he is more braced and able to 

 bear the additional shock on that leg the cuts and points being 

 made more frequently and with greater force on the right side 

 of the horse. 



