HARDENING THE HOOF. 187 



some details concerning the mode which he adopted 

 in fitting the hoofs of his horse for road work. He 

 was kind enough to send at once the following 

 answer, dated June 9, 1882 : 



' My horse had worn a set of shoes for about 

 three weeks when I had them taken off without pre- 

 paring his foot in any way, and he was left unshod 

 at once (no tips). 



' For the first four or five days he stood in his 

 horse box, only littered down at night ; all litter was 

 taken away during the daytime, and all refuse cleared 

 up as soon as made, so as to prevent his hoof being 

 softened by standing in it. 



' For the following week or ten days he was 

 loose in a paved stable yard, to stand or move about 

 as he chose. He was then led out on the turnpike 

 road (not the turf) daily, at first for only three or 

 four hundred yards, the distance being gradually 

 increased. As he travelled better, he was mounted 

 or driven in a trap, but for some time restricted to a 

 walk. 



4 In about three months I began to trot him for 

 short distances, and thus he was gradually able to 

 undertake his ordinary work. I do not think his 

 action is so high as when shod, but he is more sure- 

 footed, pleasanter to drive, and has a healthier hoof 

 than before. He appears not to travel so fast as he 



