THE HORSE. 17 



CONTRACTED FEET. 



Having already considered the general formation of 

 the feet, we now take up the near fore one, to see 

 whether it is in any way diseased, or whether there are 

 symptoms of its having formerly been so. 



To describe what should be the width of heel, and 

 other peculiarities which form a perfect foot for each 

 'horse, would be indeed superfluous ; such knowledge 

 can be acquired only by study and practice. To 

 point out the result of each defect when ascertained, 

 so that the initiated may judge for themselves, is all that 

 can be attempted. The thorough horseman is the only 

 one who will appreciate more elaborate description. 

 This assertion may perhaps appear over-confident ; but, 

 if blame attach to it, I hope those who have urged me 

 on will lighten the burthen. Thorough horsemen are 

 comparatively few, but the incompetent are numerous. 

 This work, it is to be hoped, will be the means of 

 adding to the former by decreasing the latter. 



It is a matter of dispute whether contraction of the 

 foot renders the horse unsound or not. All will agree, 

 where the climate is extremely hot and the horse goes 

 sound, that this is a much better wearing foot, and 

 more likely to keep free from lameness than the ex- 

 panded soft hoof, which, from being wide, and pre- 

 disposed in the sole to concavity, is, par excellence, 

 pronounced sound ; yet, in fact, while the narrow foot 



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