THE SHOEING OF HORSES. 2 1 



be also stated that with many horses, if shod with shoes made 

 perfectly level (in the first instance) from heel to toe, if such 

 shoes be removed when v/orn out, and placed upon a level surface 

 as above described, the shoe will also be found to be curved at 

 the toe, with a space of sufficient extent to allow the light to pass 

 between the board and the shoe. These facts we regfard as natural 

 indications of zvhat the farrier should do. 



A more powerful reason, however, still exists why this curve 

 should be given to the foot. The line a b (Plate VL), upon which 

 rests the diagram of the foot, will clearly illustrate the fact stated. 

 Figure 6 is the toe of the foot. Figure 7 is the heel, 16 the navi- 

 cular joint, 1 5 the curve of the tendon in its course over arid behind 

 the navicular bone 16, in passing to its insertion under- the coffin 

 bone 3. Now, in the act of progression, the heel, of necessity, 

 requires to be frequently elevated from the ground. This eleva- 

 tion is mainly effected by the pulley-like action of the tendon in 

 question ; consequently, anything which tends to impede the free 

 and easy action of the tendon is very likely to be a serious cause 

 of injury to that structure. By retaining the foot at a level from 

 6 to 7 upon the line a b (see Plate VI.), it is clear that a greater 

 exertion of the tendon is of necessity required to elevate the foot 

 than would be the case if the foot was curved at the toe ; and this 

 we regard as a fact of the highest importance if we desire to 

 maintain the foot in efficient health and usefulness. The constant 

 practice of placing upon the foot a shoe level upon its ground surface, 

 from heel to toe, we regard as the most prolific cause of navicular 

 disease — a disease, in its very nature, from, the onset inctirable.* 



* See Plate IV., and explanation, to Figures 15 and t6. 



