68 



CAUSES OF INJURY. 



of the hind foot is much worn, and as a consequence the hoof spread at its plantar 

 surface, clips should be drawn up from each side of the shoe, so as to grasp the 

 wall at its widest part. No attempt should be made to fit the shoe to the squared 

 and shortened toe ; but give it the natural form, and let it project at the toe to that 

 extent that would indicate the length of the hoof were it unworn. Heel-calks upon 

 the hind shoes are applicable to nearly all cases. 



In all cases of overreaching or click- 

 ing, adjusting the hoof and shoe so 

 that the inside quarter and toe of the 

 hoof are higher than the outside, will 

 assist in overcoming the difficulty. 



Stumbling. 



Stumbling is usually associated with 

 some diseased condition of the foot. 

 In the prevention of this disagreeable 



Fig. 566. — An Outline of iWr. Roberge's Spring, 

 with its Position on the Foot. 



Fig. 567.— Thick- 

 ness of Spring. 

 Full Size. 



Fig. 568. —Width 

 of Bar. Full 

 Size. 



and dangerous habit, particular attention must be given to cutting the hoof. Reduce 

 the hoof all it will bear without injury ; see that the hoof is of equal depth on each 

 side of the toe. This you can ascertain best by standing in front of the horse and 

 comparing the two sides. In fitting the shoe, bend up the toe, giving it the rounded 

 appearance of one well worn. If calks must be used, weld toe-calk back to inner 

 margin of web, making it low. In the stable use wet swabs to the feet. 



Shoeing Foundered Horses. . 



If the mobility of the foot is destroyed, as the result of chronic 

 founder, or other cause of morbid inflammation, mobility must be 

 aided by rounding the entire shoe or toe. If the foot is entirely 

 stiff, the shoe must be so formed that it will roll upon the ground, 

 which can be easily done by leaving the inner edge of each side 

 wide, and turning down in a half circle, as shown in Fig. 609. 



If the sole is broken down, or the wall separated at the toe, the 

 result of acute inflammation or founder, weight will be tnrown more 

 upon the heels. For such cases the shoe must be so fitted as to ex- 

 tend well back under the heels ; and if the sole is thin at the toe — 

 bulging down — it may be supported by letting a thin flange of iron 



