SHOEING. 



29 



that when exceptional power is necessary, as for draught horses^ 

 or to prevent slipping, calkins must be used. As a rule, nothing 



more is wanting, unless necessary 

 for extra wear, than just iron 

 enough to protect the outer crust 

 of the foot, and prevent its break- 

 ing. More iron than this becomes 

 extra weight, and causes fatigue in 

 carrying, like thick, heavy-soled 

 shoes or clogs. 



It is a question among English 

 authorities whether a shoe should 

 be " rounded at the toe " (a prac- 

 tice known as the French system) 

 to aid mobility. 



A moderate rounding at the 

 toe would seem desirable in all 

 cases where there is want of mo- 

 bility. It is especially desirable 

 when the horse is a little stiff or 

 sore, as it enables him to travel 

 much easier. This is proved when 

 the mobility of the foot is destroyed, and there is necessity for 

 using a rounded shoe to conform with the action. Illustrations of a 

 large variety of shoes of different forms are given, which can be 

 studied. 



Prof. Will- 

 iams, of Edin- 

 borough Veter- 

 inary College, 

 advises that the 

 calkins and 

 toe-pieces 

 should be done 

 away with for 

 a 1 1 kinds o f 

 horses except 

 those used for 



heavy draught in towns where the streets are paved and steep. 

 It is urged that all horses required to go beyond a walking pace are 

 injured by shoes with turned-up heels and toes. Farm horses and 



Fig. 457. — Shoe Properly Adjusted. 



Fig. 458.— Thin Shoe for 

 Light Wori<. 



Fig. 459.— Faulty, Bad Form 

 of Shoe. 



