A 40 oz. right front shoe (hoof-surface) to increase knee-action in a high acting harness horse. For show-purposes only.] [Illustration: FIG. 78. The same seen from the ground-surface in profile: _a_, bevel from inner border of the web to outer border; _b_, ends of the branches of full thickness from outer to inner border.] In the training of trotters weight is often used _to increase the length of the stride_, or to cause a _higher folding of a front foot_, in order to prevent “scalping“ or “speedy-cut.“ As soon as the new gait becomes a fixed habit the weight should be gradually lessened. _Weight is carried with less fatigue at a trot_ then at a pace, or at a gallop. It therefore steadies a trotter that is inclined to pace, or “break” into a run. The increased momentum of the weighted hoof makes for rhythm of movement, and increases the difficulty of skipping, dwelling, or mixing gaits. In the _base-wide_ (toe-wide) and _base-narrow_ (toe-narrow) _standing positions_, the flight of the hoofs, as seen from in front or behind, is not straight forward, _i.e._, parallel to the line of progression of the body, but in _arcs of circles_. (See Figs. 72-75, p. 73.) In these cases, increasing the weight of the hoofs, by increasing the momentum, must of necessity increase the tendency of the hoofs to move off at a tangent to the curves which they describe. In other words, _weight increases the centrifugal force_ of a body moving in a curve. The _outward swing_ of the hoofs of a base-narrow horse (paddling), and the _inward swing_ of a base-wide horse (interfering), are made _more pronounced by adding weight to any part of the hoof_. _The centrifugal force is greatest_ in base-wide feet when the weight is on the medial, or inner side of the hoof; in base-narrow feet when it is on the lateral or outer side. A side weight, or side weight shoe is often of service in a cross firing pacer. This animal usually stands base-narrow (toe-narrow) behind, and in motion his hind hoofs describe a curve at first forward and outward and then inward till contact is made with the diagonal hoof or leg. The added weight (placed on the outer side) by increasing the centrifugal force carries the hoof just enough farther from the centre around which the hoof swings to prevent contact. (See cross-firing, p. 138.) Finally, it must not be forgotten that _weight is always weight_; that it _cuts speed_ and _devours endurance_. E. Forms of Hoofs.