DFTAILS OF SHOEINO. 4S I 



Tills metliod of slinelnj^ is well calculated to presorvo iho natural c-on- 

 dition and functions of the fof»t, and is valualde in cases where, from 

 l.revioua nmtilntion or otlier causes, it would be ditficult, if not impos- 

 «il)le to hrin)^ the fro*,' to the •^•ound. 



For ujirij^ht hlocky feet with lontnuted heels and shrunken froj^s it 

 arts adniiraltly, and the majority of cases of this sort will be pernuinently 

 benefited l)y the froj; and posterior parts of the hoof bein-^ allowed to 

 perform their proper functions. 



The Charlier shoe may also be ai)plied with benefit in special cases, 

 the result of previous defective shoeing or other causes, such as con- 

 tracted feet, weak heels, ossitied cartilatjes, brushing, si>eedy cuttinir. 

 Ac.^ — provided tliat the hoof is strong, but it must be remembered that it 

 is unsuited to Hat feet with weak soles. 



This fact, combined with the amount of skill required to make it fit 

 the Charlier shoe properly, has prevented its being brought into general 

 use. 



The shoe shoidd be made less than half an inch in width at the toe, 

 narrowing gradually and becoming thinner as it approaches the heels, 

 and it should l>e rather shorter than the ordinary shoe. The inner upper 

 edge must be rounded i)ft to prevent inconvenience arising from pressure 

 against the adjacent sensitive structures. 



Ordinary iron does not answer well for the Charlier shoe, because, 

 when worn somewhat thin, it is apt to spread. A miiture of equal parts 

 of iron and steel well welded together, or Bessemer steel rod answers 

 admirably. 



The nail-holes should be oval to prevent splitting or spreading out of 

 the narrow rim of metal. The lieads of the nails must be of the same 

 shape, and should fit well into the holes. For ordinary feet four nails 

 are sufficient. Xo dip is required. 



Previously to applying the Charlier shoe for the first time, it is advis- 

 able to work the horse for a few weeks in ordinary tips, so as to accustom 

 him gradually to frog and heel pressure. 



At the first shoeing the groove in the crust should be made rather 

 shallow, and the shoe should be let in only half its (the shoe's) depth. 

 At each shoeing the groove may be cut deeper, until eventually the under 

 surface of the shoe is flush with the sole. The shoe must be fitted hot, 

 as it is important that it should have a level bed to rest on, and it must 

 lit the groove perfectly. 



Charlier shoes are not well adapted to hind feet. 



98Sh. Bar Shoe>^. 



A Bar shoe simply consists of a bar or band of iron connecting the 

 heels, and thereby gives a considerably increased bearing surface, espe- 

 cially on the frog. 



They are very valuable in cases where it is necessary to relieve some 

 part of the crust of the hoof from pre.ssure, such as in corn or sandcrack, 

 or when it is advisable to apply pressure to the frog. 



They are not suited tor ordinarv use. 



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