SHI VE RING — SHOEING 



Shivering is the result of weakness of the nervous system, 

 which exercises an evil influence upon some of the hind 

 muscles of the horse. To some extent it resembles string- 

 halt, as the hind-legs are moved stiffly from the ground, but 

 a shiverer cannot be backed without the muscles twitching 

 considerably, and in many cases the tail being moved up 

 and down. Many shiverers, if they fall or lie down, are unable 

 to get up, owing to the failure of their back muscles, and 

 the disease unquestionably constitutes unsoundness. It is 

 also hereditary and incurable. (See Jinked Back, Nervous 

 Systetn.) 



Shoeing. — A good deal depends upon the manner in 

 which the foot is prepared for the shoe, especially in the 

 case of young animals which are being shod for the first 

 time. As a commencement, the walls of the hoof will have 

 to be levelled, and here the main difficulty lies, as if the two 

 sides are not level, unnecessary strain is placed on the limb 

 above. In levelling the foot, consideration should be paid 

 to the length and slope of the pastern, for upon these a great 

 deal will depend, as a considerable difference exists between 

 the ways in which a long- and a short-pasterned horse puts 

 his foot upon the ground ; whilst naturally the slope of the 

 outside wall in front will also have to be considered, as will 

 the thickness of the foot itself On no account should great 

 slices of the sole be carved away, as so many farriers delight 

 in doing ; all that requires removing is any superfluous new 

 horn that may have recently formed, but the soles should 

 be left as hard as possible, as if too closely pared they 

 become soft, and consequently tender. In fact, the man 

 who follows out the practice of paring away the sole until 

 the surface is so soft that it springs to the thumb is inflict- 

 ing injury upon the horse. The frog should not be touched 

 unless it is covered by loose flakes of horn, which may be 

 removed, but on no account should the frog itself be 

 tampered with, nor should the farrier be allowed to indulge 

 in the pleasure of opening up the heels, that is, cutting 



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