I04 



PACES OF THE HORSE. 



Fig. 59. Fig. 60. — Right Diagonal. 



Ordinary Walk {contimced). 



fore feet of their respective sides, and there is no exaggerated 

 knee action. 



The long striding walk is shown in Figs. 61 to 66. As 

 an example of the high stepping walk, we may take the 

 action of Napoleon's horse in Meissonier's great picture 

 " 1814" (see Fig. 209). 



In the various forms of the walk — except in heavy 

 draught on the level or up an ascent, or when going up an 

 incline without having to pull a heavy weight — the healthy 

 horse brings the heel of the foot first on the ground, or the 

 flat of the foot. When the heel precedes the toe in touching 

 the ground, the interval is so short that it is all but 

 imperceptible. In cases suffering from certain diseases, 

 especially laminitis (fever of the feet), this interval is so well 

 marked as to be characteristic of the ailment. In heavy 

 draught which taxes the pulling powers of the horse (we 

 have in Figs. 67 to 73 a representation of this pace), and 

 particularly when going up a steep hill, the toe will be first 

 brought down, as in Fig. 68. In Fig. 67, the right diagonals 

 bear the weight of the horse. In Fig. 6Z the near fore comes 

 to their aid. There is a brief left support {see Fig. 69). As 

 the off fore is quitting the ground, the off hind comes down, 



