24 THE SHOEING OF HOKSES. 



sustain which is sustained by the fore feet. The hind limbs are 

 the propelHng powers ; the fore limbs and fore quarters are the 

 weight-receivers, in addition to the aid they render in the act of 

 propulsion. The majority of horses place the hind feet flat upon 

 the ground, and appear to progress with a sort of sliding motion ; 

 in proof of which it is very common to find the hind shoes worn 

 level throughout, while those of the fore feet will be found worn 

 most at the toe, and the anterior part of the shoe. The friction 

 and consequent wear of the hind shoe is also greater than what 

 is sustained by the fore shoe. As a rule, numbers of horses, 

 especially cab and draught horses, require three pairs of hind 

 shoes to every two pairs of fore shoes. 



The navicular joint of the hind foot, although constructed pre- 

 cisely similar to that of the fore foot, cannot have the severe strain 

 upon it which is exerted upon the fore foot; in proof of which it may 

 be stated that while that destructive malady — navicular disease — 

 is so common and baneful in its effects upon the latter, it is entirely 

 unknown as a disease affecting the navicular joint of the former. 



It is a rule to use shoes for the hind foot having greater thick- 

 ness of iron at the toe, and also caulks at the heel, both of which 

 will be found of great service if used under certain conditions. 

 They are necessary to the draught horse, also to harness horses ; 

 also, when the limbs of horses are affected with spavin, curb, and 

 many forms of weakness and debility affecting the joints, tendons, 

 and ligaments of the limb, caulks aid in supporting the structures. 

 Of the various kinds of shoe necessary to use of an especial kind, 

 such as for the prevention of cutting, forging, and other common 

 peculiarities of a like nature, we shall treat upon hereafter. 



