STABLE MANAGEMENT 255 



to stand the wear and tear of training by altering the 

 action sufficiently to avoid the constant brushing, which 

 previously had been such a cause of trouble. 



Such examples afford ample proof of how valuable the 

 system can be, when practised by a competent and skilful 

 smith. 



In contrast to the Charlier shoes are the very weighty 

 ones commonly employed for the heavy breeds of horses, 

 and for training hackneys for Show purposes, one of the 

 well-known ways for teaching them to step high being 

 to run them with light plates, and then to change them 

 for loaded shoes. It is rather a curious circumstance that 

 the Americans should find the addition of toe-weights 

 enables them to improve the speed of their famous trotters 

 by causing them to lengthen their strides, while the 

 Englishman employs weight to make his animals shorten 

 theirs and step into the air ! 



In 1890 a scheme was inaugurated at the Mansion House 

 in London under the auspices of the Lord Mayor, Sir 

 Joseph Savory, for the " National Registration of Farriers 

 as Shoeing Smiths and Doormen." The objects of the 

 Society are : — 



1. To examine farriers by practical test in making, 

 fitting, and putting on shoes and preparing the foot ; and 

 by an oral examination on the construction of the horse's 

 foot. 



2. To register those that pass. 



8. To encourage technical education and apprenticeship. 



All candidates must pass in these subjects at the exa- 

 minations which are held in various parts of the country, 

 chiefly in conjunction with the Agricultural Societies at 

 their annual Shows ; but also through County Councils 

 and Technical Colleges. The Farriers' Company has also 

 followed suit, and in 1908 started an additional scheme 

 for the higher examination and registration of shoeing 

 smiths. 



These are steps in the right direction, and can but result 

 in increased benefit to such animals as may be left to 

 us under the stress of competition with motor traction. 



