94 THE PRACTICAL HORSESHOER. 



g-ait of the horse. One side of the foot should never be 

 raised higher than the other, on account of the undue strain 

 which will be brought to bear upon the Kgaments, and the 

 natural pressure upon the blood vessels and secretory ap- 

 paratus upon the highest side prevents them from perform- 

 ing their natural functions, and another evil may be devel- 

 oped as bad as interfering. 



Forging is a ver^^ annoying habit which may be prevent- 

 ed by making the web of the front shoe narrow and sloping 

 the edge of the toe off, the hind shoe backward when calk- 

 ings are not employed. Forging is caused by the edge of 

 the hind shoe striking against the inner edge of the front 

 shoe as the hind foot is descending to its place, and when 

 the front foot is raised and about to be carried forward. 

 The method indicated will allow the front part of the hind 

 shoe to strike the sole or frog of the front foot and obviate 

 the noise or click. It may also be prevented b^^ using 

 weighted shoes. Calkins are a benefit to the shoe but are 

 objectionable for the foot. The^^ cause the shoe to w^ear 

 longer, and will secui*e a surer footing for a draft horse on 

 some kinds of ground, but their recommendation ends there. 

 The greatest objections I have to calkins is the distance 

 which they remove the frog from the ground. The frog in 

 its natural condition is almost on a level with the lower 

 edge of the wall, and helps to sustain the weight of t1ie horse, 

 which would otherwise be borne by the lamiuc^ which con- 

 nects the coffin bone to the wall. With calkins the lamina 

 can sustain the weight, but the frog cannot perform its 

 functions. When the frog can come in contact with the 

 ground it acts like a spring, preventing concussion, and 

 Avhen pressed hard it expands the foot. Calkins further- 

 more increase the leverage and impose unnecessary strain 

 on the nails, and should not be employed when they can be 

 dispensed with. 



