12 PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



whose utility is directly or indirectly impaired by im- 

 proper treatment of their feet must appear excessive, 

 when compared with the other causes of inefficiency. In- 

 deed, maladies of the feet and limbs, due, more or less, to 

 faulty shoeing, form a very large percentage of the cases 

 usually met with in veterinary practice. 



An art, therefore, which has so much influence for 

 good or evil, so far as the usefulness and comfort of the 

 horse are concerned, surely deserves the serious study of 

 all those who are interested in that animal. A good sys- 

 tem, founded on the teachings of anatomy and physiology, 

 and perfected by daily experience, must prove of immense 

 benefit to horse and owner ; while a bad system, conduct- 

 ed in ignorance or carelessness, cannot but bring about 

 pain and speedy uselessness to the animal and loss to the 

 proprietor. 



ANATOMY OF THE HORSE'S FOOT. 



One of the primary considerations for those who have 

 the shoeing and management of the horse's foot, should 

 be the acquisition of a knowledge of its structure and 

 functions in health : not a profound knowledge, certainly, 

 such as the scientific veterinarian requires, but sufficient 

 to enable them to understand the situation, relation, text- 

 ure, and uses of the parts of the organ with which they 

 have more particularly to deal. If the artisan does not 

 possess this knowledge, is it possible that he can practise 

 his handicraft to advantage, or minister effectually to the 

 varied requirements of this organ ? It must be admitted 

 that he cannot do so ; and it is from neglect of this funda- 

 mental consideration that so much improper and vicious 

 shoeing prevails, and that so many horses are crippled 

 and prematurely worn out. By the majority of farriers 

 the foot of the horse is looked upon as little, if any thing, 



