Fig. 73.
Fig. 74.
Fig. 75.
1. With a straight foot-axis of normal slant (45°-50°, [Fig. 76, A]), the hoof follows the arc of a circle and reaches its highest point when directly above the supporting hoof, i.e., when half-way in the stride.
2. With a straight, but acute-angled foot-axis (less than 45°, [Fig. 76, B]), the hoof rises rapidly, reaches its highest point before it has completed the first half of the stride, i.e., before it has passed the supporting hoof, and descending gradually in a long curve alights easily on the ground.
3. With a straight, but upright foot-axis (55° or more, [Fig. 76, C]), the hoof rises slowly, reaches its highest point in front of the supporting hoof, from which point it descends rapidly. The gait is “choppy,” and in the saddle-horse unpleasant for the rider. The length and the height of the stride are greatest in acute-angled feet; least in upright feet. Furthermore, length and height of stride are in a measure dependent on breeding, training, condition of the legs (whether stiffened by use or disease), length of the hoof and the weight of the shoe.
Fig. 76.