PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. lOSd 



the wall, and is of value as a guarding point, showing how 

 much of the crust can be removed with safety. The dividing 

 line will show the outer wall thicker at the toe than at the 

 quarters or heels; shorten or reduce it by careful manipulation 

 of the rasp against the edge of the crust to an equal thickness 

 all around with the plantar surface of the foot in view ; then 

 turn, and with the hoof placed on the knee, smooth the lower 

 edge of the wall, to obtain the desired results. If the foot is 

 balanced, the weight is equally distributed on the laminated 

 tissue. 



Each portion of the anatomical structure bears its share of 

 labor and performs the functions nature intended in a rational 

 manner. The external portion of the hoof is a modified con- 

 tinuation of the outer or scarp skin, with similar functions to 

 prevent evaporation of moisture and protect the sensitive struc- 

 ture, beneath which, if too much of nature's protecting envelope 

 be removed, a sensitive surface is the result. The outer wall is 

 more liable to become hard, dry and brittle, and lose that elastic 

 spring, where the shoe, never intended for it by nature, is at- 

 tached to the foot. If the foot, as a rule, is kept properly bal- 

 anced, we seldom meet with lame horses. 



The frog is composed of spongy horn placed in the center 

 of the foot between the bars, beneath the column of bone, and 

 when in a healthy condition is very elastic. Its office is to 

 break concussion, and under no circumstances, except for a 

 surgical operation, should it be touched with a knife. Too 

 strict adherence to this rule can not be enforced. l^Tot even the 

 rags should be removed; if left alone they will do no injury 

 and come off at the proper time. 



The bars are a continuation of the wall, bent at a very 

 acute angle, at the heels. They form stays to the quarters and 

 should be cut with judgment — that is to say, that portion which 

 projects below the solo, especially on heavy draft horses work- 

 ing on city pavements. These are more liable to be afflicted 



