SECTION VII.-The Gallop.
(See Plate XXI.)

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 follows the fore leg.† 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.

†The horse should lead with the off 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.

near fore foot, followed by the near hind foot. This is termed true or united.

If, in galloping to the right, the horse leads with the near fore foot, or galloping to the left with the off fore foot in advance, it is termed false.

If, in galloping, the horse leads with the off fore foot, followed by the near hind foot, or vice versa, the horse is disunited. (See Plate XII.)

To change the step (the horse galloping with the off fore foot in advance), confining him to the line on which he is moving, or one parallel to it, the rider should draw the right rein and close the left leg.

By drawing the right rein with the right hand, or bearing the bridle hand to the right, the rider confines the action of the right shoulder; and by closing the leg or giving spur on the left side, he prevents the horse from making a turn to the right (which he would do if the opposite leg or spur were not applied), and compels him to put forward the left leg.

The rider should change from the near to the off fore foot on the same principles, but by inverse means.

In the gallop of the racer and hunter, the limbs are extended; but in the hackney or pleasure horse, the action is more confined, and consequently the pace is much slower.

To confine the horse to the canter, the rider should raise the bridle hand, which throws him upon his haunches, and occasionally close the legs for the purpose