MANUAL FOR ARMY HORSESHOERS. 67 



down and hammered in with the dri\dng hammer. It is well to 

 clinch the inside of the foot first, thus removing danger of the iip- 

 tm'ned clinches tearing the opposite leg. Finally, "the smooth side 

 of the rasp is run lightly over each clinch to take off the rough edges 

 that would pick up bedding or other material. Much filing of the 

 clinches weakens them and results in a cast shoe. AMien finished 

 the clinch should be a trifle longer than the width of the nail at the 

 point where it comes out of the wall. 



The outside wall of the foot is never rasped (par. 46). 



The toe clip should be hammered back against the wall of the 

 toe after the inside has been clinched on the off feet and the outside 

 on the near feet. In other words, hammer back the toe clip when 

 .the right arm is free. » 



After the shoeing has been completed the foot is again allowed 

 to rest upon the ground, and again carefully examined from all 

 sides. 



Plate XYIII shows .the near forefoot of a newly purchased Cavalry 

 horse. The shoe, as may be seen, has been on for about three 

 months, and the foot is broken back. The lack of symmetry at 

 the heels shows that the shoe was probably not correctly fitted, 

 and that it certainly was not in proper position when nailed on. 



The shoer, having learned to fit normal shoes, is prepared to 

 take up the study of shoeing to correct faults in gaits and shoeing 

 as an aid in the treatment of diseased feet. 



tXSPECtlON OF SHOEING 



57. The horses shod during the day should be ready for inspec- 

 tion at afternoon stables, or other convenient time, in the shop or 

 stable, with their feet cleaned. 



The horse should be examined on a level floor, as otherwise it is 

 impossible to determine whether he is standing correctly or not. 



The following examination shoidd be made while the foot is 

 on the ground : 



(a) Pastern and foot axes. — View the foot from the front and 

 side to determine whether the axes are correct. (PL XIV.) 



(h) The fit of the outline of the shoe. — Does it correctly follow the 

 outline of the wall to the last nail hole, and from there extend out- 

 ward, allowing proper space for expansion? (Par. 53.) Note 

 particularly whether the wall has been rasped to fit the shoe. (Par, 

 43.) 



