Horse Pictures -  The Gallop

The Beauties and Defects in the Figure of the Horse

Delineated in a Series of Coloured Plates

by H. Alken

Published in London by S. and J. Fuller at the Temple of Fancy, 34 Rathbone Place

The Gallop

In the race horse the necessary points differ from the hunter and road horse. In the first place he is not so much up in the forehand, which makes a great difference in the appearance. The ewe-necked horses are in general speedy, although this qualification is by no means amiable for any other purpose. It is a commonly supposed that length in the pastern is indispensable in the race horse; but this opinion appears to me to be very erroneous, except as it regards a light weight and a short course. I have taken notice that the best horses of the present day are well formed, and strong in the legs. In full action, the leg should be thrown well out, with a quick stroke, rather near the ground than otherwise. All the legs should point straight forward, and appear to act with ease to themselves. If a horse should rock, that is, throw his quarters from one side to the other, he can never be speedy: he should seem to glide over the surface of the ground without any symptoms of violent action. Horses vary greatly in the gather, or method of bringing their legs together after being well opened in the reach. If he makes the stride too far, it will oblige him to throw up his back like a hog, to form the gather. Any action varying from a direct line forward must impede his progress. All horses should gallop nearly on the same principle; but it is necessary that military horses and dashing roadsters should raise themselves more on their haunches, and, as it is commonly called, fight a little more with their forehand.

The picture above is an illustrated plate from the 1816 publication, the inside title page of which is reproduced here along with the introduction to the book

"By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad points in that most useful and noble animal the Horse. He has adopted the mode of detaching various parts of the subject, because, by comparison of the distinct appearances, the general impression upon the memory of the reader is much likely to be much stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less abstracted nature; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable.

This Publication is also intended as a Book of Lessons for such young Artists as are inclined to pursue the study of the Horse in all the different points of his figure and action.

There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is an important branch of study to gentleman of the turf, and to young purchasers; for it is generally considered, that to timid riders and drivers, the temper of the beast is of more consequence than any bodily blemish.

In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that his Work will be found useful; and as his remarks are the result of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power, strength, and the various points of action as to the physiognomical character and figure of the horse, will be found fairly elucidated in the following series."