THE RACING-SHOE THE BAR-SHOE 371 



upon the road, both in weight and form. It is not so 

 much bevelled off as the common concave-seated shoe, 

 and only enough of space left between the shoe and 

 sole for the introduction of the picker ; as, going over 

 heavy ground, the clay would insinuate itself; and by 

 its tenacity would have a tendency to loosen the shoe, 

 or indeed, what has been the case, tear it off altogether. 

 It is also made shorter in the heels, so that they may 

 not be torn off by the toe of the hind feet when 

 galloping. 



THE RACING-SHOE. 

 PLATE XI, FIG. 5. 



The racing-shoe, or plate, should be constructed of 

 the best Swedish iron, and made of sufficient thick- 

 ness to prevent breaking or bending when used. A 

 fiat surface on the foot side is generally used ; and the 

 same form of plate as in the shoes intended to be put 

 on after the removal of the plate. Three or four nails 

 on each side according to the size of the foot will 

 suffice. The heels of the plate should not be longer 

 than the horn of the heels, rather a trifle shorter, to 

 prevent them from being torn off by the toe of the 

 hind foot when at great speed. 



THE BAR-SHOE. 



This is a useful invention to remove the pressure 

 from any tender part of the foot, and throw it on the frog 

 which is quite sound. It consists of the common shoe 

 continued round the heels and across the frog. Its 

 chief use is in cases of corns and weak heels, and it 

 quite covers their seat. It elevates the sole in pumiced 

 feet, and thus secures them from pressure. It is also 

 useful in sand-crack, as by it we can remove the 



