EXAMINATION OF HORSES 



The side view of the foot is neither too triangular nor 

 too square. (^See Fig.i,^.) 



The pasterns have a strong tendency to assume the 

 perpendicular when we may or may not have the line of 

 the coronary band approaching the horizontal. When 

 short pasterns assume the perpendicular, we have almost 

 invariably a high-heeled boxy hoof. {See Fig. i,^.) 



I might have added to the above propositions, but 

 trust that by their aid we shall be able to further discuss 

 the subject in a clear and intelligible manner. You 

 will often read and hear of shoeing being a necessary 

 evil, and of its being the cause of foot lameness and so 

 forth. Now please note that the shoe is nailed on to 

 the end of the phalanges. At the other end of the 

 phalanges is applied the weight and the power of its 

 distribution. Those who blame shoeing for all the ills 

 of the foot, either invent, or stimulate others to invent, 

 all kinds of contortions and vagaries in the name ot 

 horse -shoes. They will even go into a state of ecstatic 

 mania over what they call "this most beautiful mechanism." 

 They will wrangle and quarrel over the question whether 

 the heel contracts or expands, and look steadfastly and 

 for ever to the end of the phalanx for the interpretation 

 of the ailments from which the foot suffers. They will 

 watch a horse drawing a heavy load up a hill violently 

 digging his toes into the ground; or, backing a load 

 down a hill, digging his heels into the ground, sliding 

 and wrenching ; and then go home and invent a shoe. 

 The late Professor Dick used to delight in showing his 



