SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 263 



feet. Good judgment is required in applying tips: first, exam- 

 ine the formation of wall and sole; if the sole is cup-form or 

 well arched, this style of foot can be most successfully tipped. 

 The foot should not be pared off at toe and heels so low for tips 

 as for full shoes, as the tips have to be let in the wall flush with 

 the ground tread. In this way the angle of foot is in no wise 

 chanofed and the wear will be even all over. From two to three 

 nails on each side of tips will suflice to hold them on firmly. 

 Punch for a low, short, thick hold inclining the nail out- 

 wardly to avoid cramping the foot. Tips can be used to ad- 

 vantage on colts for first shoeings in breaking them, also on dirt 

 roads and the natural exercise of frog pressure will develop the 

 foot into a strong and healthy organ. The tips are to be bev- 

 eled ofl' on the outer edge of the web, so as to follow the angle 

 of the foot. 



Sharpening, or Winter Shoeing. — In many instances, 

 winter shoeing presents fresh difiiculties, for the shoes have then 

 to do a double duty — to secure the foot-hold as well as to pro- 

 tect the foot. Toe and heel calkins are almost always employed 

 as best suiting the requirements of each case. In all cases, 

 however, these should be short and sharp, as then the foot will 

 be kept nearer the ground, at the same time they will answer 

 every purpose for a firm catch upon the hard or slippery ice, and 

 the horse will be less liable to rock sidewise, thus avoiding in- 

 jury or joint lameness. For ordinary workhorses, toe and heel 

 calkins are all that are required ; and, as a rule, it is better to 

 sharpen the outside heel calk. lengthwise, or from front to back, 

 as by so doing side slips will be avoided and strains on the joints 

 and tendons be prevented. For speed horses, side heel calks 

 are better for the front shoes than mere end calks, as the horse 

 is not so apt to strike and pull ofi' the front shoes with his hind 



