MOVEMENTS OF THE HEAD. 5 



" Animals in Motion," we shall see that the fast trot is sometimes 

 a pace of four time. 



MOVEMENTS OF THE HEAD IN LAMENESS.— A lame horse, 

 in movement (if he is at libertj- to do so), uses his head and neck 

 as a balancing pole to relieve the weight on the unsound limb. If 

 lame in front, he will raise his head when the lame leg comes 

 down, and bring it more or less into its natural position, when 

 the sound fore leg touches the ground. If lame on a hind leg, he 

 will lower his head, when the opposite fore leg comes down. For 

 instance, if the near hind be affected, lie will lower his head wlien 

 the off fore comes down. 



Fig. I. — Wear of toe of hind foot from spa\"in. 



DETECTION OF LAMENESS DUPJNG MOVEMENT.— Lame- 

 ness must be very acute for a horse to show.it in walking. At the 

 trot, he should be led in a halter or snaffle bridle with plenty of 

 rein, so as to prevent any interference with the movements of his 

 head. The most deceptive thing in this respect is making the horse 

 incline his head and neck towards his leader, the result being that 

 the animal will be prompted to put more weight on the fore leg 

 next to the man, than on its fellow. Immediately on leaving the 

 stable, the horse should be trotted for inspection on hard ground, 

 which should be free from stones and other inequalities. The 

 observer should stand on the near side, abovit thirty yards in front 

 of the horse. He should note, as the animal approaches, whether 

 he " dwells " in the slightest on one fore foot more than on the 



