THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 49 



Importance of the Subject. — The foot of the horse is an 

 extremely important study because of the numerous diseases 

 which affect this region, but what I have said, in thus review- 

 ing the structure and normal condition of the essential organs; 

 of locomotion, will probably be sufficient to include whatever 

 may be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the 

 other essential matters which are to follow, and facilitate a clear 

 understanding of the requirements necessary to that perfection 

 and regularity which characterize the natural performance of the 

 various movements of the horse. 



So long as the bones muscles and tendons; the joints with 

 their ligaments, cartilages and their synovial structure ; the 

 nerves and the controlling influences which they exercise over 

 all, with the blood-vessels which distribute to every part the 

 vitalizing fluid which sustains the whole in being and activity — 

 so long as these various constituents and adjuncts of animal life 

 preserve their physiological functions, locomotion will continue 

 to be performed with perfection and efficiency. Other points 

 of pathological interest, relating to obstruction or misdirection 

 and lack of balance in certain portions of the locomotory appara- 

 tus, will receive due attention as we proceed with the illustration 

 of our subject and examine the matters which it most concerns 

 us to bring under consideration. 



