If we observe horses moving unrestrained over level ground, we will notice differences in the carriage of the feet. =Viewed from in front, or from behind=, in the _regular standing position_ of the limbs the hoofs are carried forward in a _straight direction_, that is, in a line parallel with the median line of the body (Fig. 71). The toes likewise point straight forward; the hoofs alight properly (flat) on the ground. If the horse stands _base-wide_, the hoof is carried in a circle; from its position, which is behind and well out from the median line, the hoof passes first forward and inward until it is close to the supporting leg, and then outward to the ground (Fig. 72), where the shock is received principally upon the outer toe. The toes point either directly forward, as in the regular standing position (Fig. 72), or forward and outward as in the toe-wide position (Fig. 73). In the toe-wide position the hoof in its flight may cross the median line. Exactly the reverse is true of the horse that stands _base-narrow_; in this case the hoof is moved in a circle whose convexity is outward,—that is, the hoof from its position behind, and close to the median line, is carried forward and outward and then inward to the ground (Figs. 74 and 75). =Viewed from the side=, the line of flight of a hoof is determined largely by the obliquity (slant) of the foot-axis. [Illustration: FIG. 71] [Illustration: FIG. 72.] [Illustration: FIG. 73.] [Illustration: FIG. 74.] [Illustration: 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. [Illustration: FIG. 76. Flight of the hoof as seen from the side: _A_, flight of a regular hoof; _B_, flight of an acute-angled hoof; _C_, flight of an upright hoof.]