112 PACES OF THE HORSE. 



being raised by the straightening of the leading fore leg (and 

 especially by that of its fetlock joint), as it quits the ground 

 {see Figs. 85 to 2>'j). 



The movement shown in Figs. 81 to 89, being a canter, is 

 one of three time, which, however, is irregular ; for the interval 

 during which the suspension takes place, between the coming 

 down of the near fore and off hind, is longer than either of 

 the other two intervals. Supposing that the speed be the 

 same, and that there be the same interval of suspension in an 

 irregular canter of this kind and in a typical canter, the 

 former would be less distressing to the horse than the latter ; 

 for the weight is better distributed in it. Thus, the off hind 

 is on the ground when the right diagonals come down (take 

 the case shown in Figs. 81 to 89), and they are supporting 

 the body when the near fore reaches the ground (see 

 Fig. 83). 



We see that, in the canter, the leading fore has more 

 work to do than the non-leading fore leg. Hence, if this 

 pace be long continued, the rider should, if possible, make 

 the horse change the leading fore leg. 



The Gallop. — This is a pace of four time, in which the 

 feet follow one another in succession, with an interval of 

 suspension between the coming down of the leading fore foot 

 and that of the opposite hind foot (see Figs. 90 to 105). If we 

 compare that series with Figs. 74 to 80, and with Figs. 81 

 to 89, we shall see that, in the canter, the fore leg of the 

 diagonal support comes to the ground at the same moment 

 (see Fig. 75) as, or slightly before (see Fig. 82), its hind fellow ; 

 but, in the gallop, at a well-marked interval after it (see Figs. 

 92 to 94). We may note that this interval, in which 



