31 



action of the leg, and to lessen concussion. 

 Any circumstances, therefore, that deprive the 

 hoof of this property, will consequently produce 

 lameness. The most dangerous enemy the 

 hoof has to encounter, is the Blacksmith ; and 

 although the mischief arising from had shoeing 

 may he slow in its progress, yet it is fatally 

 certain in its effects. 



The most ostensihle injury produced by bad 

 shoeino; is a o-radual contraction of the heels- 

 This contraction, acting by compression on the 

 internal parts of the foot, brings on the sensa- 

 tion that a human being would feel from wear- 

 ing a tight shoe. In this state, the horse does 

 not put his feet to the ground with that reso- 

 lution and firmness which he would do in a 

 state of nature, and hence arises that short 

 .shuffling manner of going, which dealers dis- 

 tinguish by the term " groggi/.''' 



When the contraction exists to a great degree 

 a perfect cure is rarely obtained. This con- 

 traction, however, never takes place suddenly, 

 as the internal parts of the foot will resist it 

 for a certain length of time, but the continued 

 pressure on the quarters will ultimately produce 

 a partial absorption of the coffin bone, which 

 is obliged, in this manner, to adapt itself to the 

 diminished capacity of the hoof. Feet which 

 Are disposed to contract, generally possess great 

 -Strength and thickness in the wall or crust. 



