The Angle and Length of Foot 245 



tity ($/2 in.), but we may reverse the order of things and shorten or 

 lengthen the toe at A and retain the same heel at B. For instance, 

 DEB would be an absolute shortening of the toe to 3^ in., and 

 D F B an absolute lengthening of the toe to 3^4 inches. 



When both toe and heel are lengthened we may more appropri- 

 ately speak of lengthening the whole foot. It is very often ex- 

 tremely difficult to understand the meaning of giving a horse "longer 

 toes," whether a longer toe with the same heel, is meant as the re- 

 quired change, or whether the toe and the heel are to be left longer. 

 In the former case the angle becomes smaller (D F B is a smaller 

 angle than DAB) and in the latter case the angle remains the same 

 and the line of the sole would be parallel to A B from the lengthened 

 point of toe at F to a point below B at heel ; in other words, the whole 

 hoof would be lengthened. 



Mention is made of these terms because there is some confusion 

 of ideas in regard to these matters. When the shape of the foot can 

 be readily determined by the simple process of measuring the length 

 of toe on the frontal surface of hoof and by determining the angle it 

 makes with the heel, there is really no necessity of any confusion of 

 terms. By taking notes we can always establish both conditions again 

 at any subsequent shoeing; but to tell the shoer that a longer toe is 

 wanted without taking into consideration the angle of the foot that 

 is, the. height of the heel leaves at all times a vast deal of uncertainty 

 and doubt in the mind of a well-meaning shoer. These two terms, 

 namely, length of toe and angle of foot, should suffice to indicate its 

 shape and by them should all changes be designated. A pair of cali- 

 pers or compasses and a hoof gauge should be in the possession of 

 every trainer and should certainly form part of the tools of any re- 

 liable shoer. However much skill of eye or of hand he may possess 

 there is nowadays a demand for scientific exactness in the execution 

 of details, which also holds true in regard to the shoeing of the trotter 

 and the pacer. 



Even with the tools at hand to determine the length of toe and 

 the angle of foot, the lateral balance, or the height of the quarters, is 

 a task which must be left to the eye and the skill of the farrier. 



