102 ' PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



with cold water during hot weather or after severe exer- 

 tion. When a journey has been long continued and 

 severe, the horse should not be immediately put into a 

 stable, but ought to be walked gently about until the 

 circulation of blood in the feet has had time to accommo- 

 date itself to the altered conditions of rest. By this means 

 laminitis (inflammation of the feet) is averted. 



In washing the hoofs a water-brush should not be 

 employed, but a soft sponge, with a view to prevent the 

 translucent horn on the front of the wall being destroyed. 



The sides and cleft of the frog may be cleaned out 

 occasionally with a blunt picker, though if sound this is 

 scarcely required. 



Nothing more is needed, so far as the every-day stable 

 management of the foot is concerned, except to caution 

 the groom against cutting away the hair immediately 

 above the coronet, as this acts like a thatch in preserving 

 the frog-band at its commencement from the effects of 

 perspiration and moisture. 



Much harm is done to horses' legs and feet by the 

 somewhat cruel custom of keeping them, while in the 

 stable, constantly tied up in one position in stalls with 

 sloping floors. This fashion is not only entirely opposed 

 to the animal's natural habits — for the horse loves to 

 move about and change his attitude — but the limbs and 

 feet, more especially the front ones, are, instead of being 

 rested, greatly fatigued ; and this brings about alterations 

 which may be none the less serious because they are not 

 immediate in their effects. 



A loose box, even if no larger than a stall, with a 

 level floor, is infinitely preferable, and by all means to be 

 commended to those who place some value on the sound- 

 ness of body, eyesight, and limbs of their horses, as well 

 as on their comfort. 



