PREPARING THE HOOF. 37 



dicate the ordinary procedure in applying shoes to its 

 hoofs for the first time, pointing out, at each step in the 

 process, what is wrong and what is right, and giving 

 reasons for the adoption of the principles which ought to 

 guide the farrier in this most important operation. 



PREPARING THE HOOF. 



We will premise that the young horse about to have 

 its hoofs armed for the first time is tolerably docile, and 

 that its tranquillity is not likely to be severely disturbed 

 by the strange manipulations to which its limbs are to be 

 subjected. For many months previously, its attendants 

 have had this ordeal in view, and in handling it have not 

 forgotten to manipulate its legs and feet quietly and gently 

 in something the same fashion that the farrier is likely to 

 do — even going so far in the lesson as to tap lightly on its 

 uplifted hoof, as if nailing on the shoe. The young creat- 

 ure is intelligent enough to perceive that in this no harm 

 or punishment is intended, and it soon becomes familiar 

 with the practice. 



The farrier who shoes a young horse for the first or 

 second time should be a patient, good-tempered man, and 

 an adept in the management of horses and handling their 

 limbs. If the operation is to be performed in a forge, 

 there should be as little noise of hammers or glare of fires 

 as possible — every thing ought to be conducted quietly 

 steadily, and with kindness. Harsh treatment, or unskil- 

 ful handling, should be severely reprehended, and all re- 

 straint or contention ought to be dispensed with — at any 

 rate until gentleness and patience have been diligently em- 

 ployed and have failed. If accustomed to companions, it 

 should have one or two horses beside it in the forge. 



[n describing the construction of the foot, we referred 



