THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE 365 



requires both the use of the hammer and the file, and 

 the conscientious workman will not nail it on until it 

 is so formed that it rests firmly on the sole, and its 

 external shape precisely corresponds with that of the 

 crust. On the other hand, the careless and incon- 

 siderate mechanic will pick a shoe, and suit the hoof 

 to the shoe, frequently paring the sole and crust to the 

 quick ; and often cutting it so thin that it will not 

 hold the nails firmly, besides rendering the unprotected 

 part of the foot liable to be punctured, and exposing 

 the sole to pressure which may occasion lameness, and 

 that too of a permanent character. 



A properly constructed shoe should have the web 

 of equal thickness from toe to heel. When thinner 

 at the heel than the toe, it permits the heel to sink 

 too much, which has a tendency to induce sprain of 

 the flexor tendon, and when the shoe is thicker at the 

 back than the front, it elevates the frog too much, is 

 sure to promote disease, and will impair its function, 

 and is certain to bruise the toe, which from its 

 naturally exposed position is more liable to injury 

 than other parts. 



Every possessor of a horse should be well ac- 

 quainted with the different kinds of shoes now in 

 general use, and have such a knowledge of the varied 

 form of hoofs as to enable him to judge the particular 

 kind best adapted to the shape of the foot of his own 

 horse. Country smiths pay too little attention to this 

 point, and with a predilection for one form, apply it to 

 whatever shaped hoof they may meet with. 



In a state of nature the hoof of a horse is ad- 

 mirably adapted to give security to its steps ; but when 

 the foot is shod, the weight and bearings of the whole 

 limb, or, more strictly speaking, of the entire animal, 

 are changed. It therefore becomes a matter of much 



