440 CHAPTER 60. 



907. The Forefeet. 



The Feet (Plate 35, Fig. 10), regard being had to the make and shape 

 of the horse, should be of medium dimensions. A foot rather below the 

 standard size is preferable to one above it. Both, however, are objec- 

 tionable. 



In large feet the crust is generally weak, the animal on account of the 

 size of his feet may probably brush, the action is rendered heavy and 

 lumbering, and the horse soon becomes fatigued. In small feet on the 

 other hand the crust is generally brittle, the basis of support is insuffi- 

 cient, and the animal is apt to stumble or stand over. 



The above remarks apply to natural conformations. Large wide flat 

 feet which have become so as the result of disease, or feet which have 

 become contracted, are of course very objectionable. Any difference in 

 the size of the feet should be regarded with the greatest suspicion, as it 

 is a sure indication of disease either past or present in the feet or in some 

 portion of the frame connected, though perhaps only indirectly, with the 

 feet. 



The slope of the crust of the fore-feet should form an angle of between 

 50 and 52 degrees with the ground. If the feet are more upright, they 

 will generally be found to be contracted. If more flat, they are usually 

 weak and predisposed to many diseases, especially to corns. The hind 

 feet are generally more upright than the fore-feet. 



The horn should be tough and sound. A ringy condition of the horn 

 is very objectionable. It indicates weakness and want of tone in the 

 secreting organs. It frequently follows inflammation of the feet or any 

 debilitating disease. Rings however are common on feet of horses at 

 grass. They are not serious. They are often due to alterations in the 

 succulence in grass at varying seasons. If the horn shows signs of much 

 chipping or breaking away at the nail-holes, it indicates undue brittle- 

 ness. White feet are more predisposed to disease than dark-coloured 

 feet. Some reasons for this peculiarity will be found under head of 

 Colour, par. 933. .: : 



908. The Soles. 



In the well-formed foot the Sole is moderately concave. When so 

 formed, its margins receive a fair amount of wear and pressure, just suf- 

 ficient to ensure the health of its tissues. In upright feet the sole is 

 often unduly concave, and is then apt to become very hard. In flat feet 

 on the other hand the sole is always unduly flat, and sometimes even 

 convex. In this position it is liable to become injured and inflamed by 

 excessive wear and pressure, or by bruises from stones, <fcc. 



909. The Frog. 



The Frog (f, fig. 10, Plate 35) should be moderately large, bold and 

 clean. The frog is an elastic cushion, placed at the back of the foot in 

 order to lessen concussion in the animal's frame, and also to act as a stay 

 against slipping. If the frog be removed from the healthy influence of 

 wear and pressure by thick shoes or calkins,, or by allowing the crust to 

 become unduly long, it will surely become small and probably diseased. 



