SHOEING. 



37 



making the horse lame ; or the nail may be driven so deeply as to 

 go near the soft parts of the inner edge, and when the point strikes 



the hard horn 

 of the outer 

 surface, it may 

 bend inward or 

 press upon and 

 break through 

 to the sensitive 

 parts. This is 

 called rucking, 

 as shown in Fig. 

 508. The nail 

 shouldbepulled 

 out at once. 



Another cause of harm is what is termed fitting and drawing the 

 nails too closely. If the nails are driven rather deep, and clinched 

 down firmly, they are liable to bend inward and press upon the 

 sensitive parts. This is called pinching. If present when the horse 

 is shod, and it is noticed that the nails are driven rather deep for the 

 thickness of the wall, insist upon their being driven farther out. 



An ignorant or thoughtless man may claim there is no danger, 



though he is driving the nails 

 much too deep. Should the 

 horse show soreness or lameness 

 within three or four days after 

 being shod, especially if he puts 



Fig. 483. —Examining the Shoe. 



Fig 484. — Location of Nails. 



Fig. 485. — French Method of Nailing 



the foot forward to ease it, give the matter attention at once. First 

 rest the hand lightly upon the hoof to discover whether there is any 

 unusual heat, and if so, at what point ; next take a light hammer 

 or small stone, and tap lightly round over the nails, until the horse 



