DETAILS OP SHOEING. 481 



This method of shoeing is well calculated to preserve the natural con- 

 dition and functions of the foot, and is valuable in cases where, from 

 previous mutilation or other causes, it would be difficult, if not impos- 

 sible to bring the frog to the ground. 



For upright blocky feet with contracted heels and shrunken frogs it 

 acts admirably, and the majority of cases of this sort will be permanently 

 benefited by the frog and posterior parts of the hoof being allowed to 

 perform their proper functions. 



The Charlier shoe may also be applied with benefit in special cases, 

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

 tracted feet, weak heels, ossified cartilages, brushing, speedy cutting, 

 &c. provided that the hoof is strong, but it must be remembered that it 

 is unsuited to flat 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 should 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 be rather shorter than the ordinary shoe. The inner upper 

 edge must be rounded off 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 mixture 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 heads of the nails must be of the same 

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

 are sufficient. No clip 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 b'e 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 

 fit the groove perfectly. 



Charlier shoes are not well adapted to hind feet. 



9836. Bar Shoes. 



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 pressure, such as in corn or sandcrack, 

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

 They are not suited for ordinary use. 



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