SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEl.NCr. 275 



hind-foot shoe to weigh from five to seven ounces more than 

 the other hind-foot shoe. This added weis^ht will carrv the 

 foot and leg longer in the stride. It will also be found, which- 

 ever hind leg hitches, the stride of the opposite front foot will 

 be shorter. For instance, if the hitching takes place in the left 

 hind leg, from any cause, the front right leg will have a shorter 

 stride. By placing upon the right front foot a shoe weighing 

 three or four ounces more than the left front foot, the former 

 will be lengthened in its stride. 



Having ascertained the uneven gait and taken its measure- 

 ment, the next thing is to set about the treatment. I found 

 Lida Bassett, for instance, hitching with her right front foot. 

 I welded a spur to the toe of the shoo, turned up with the front 

 angle of the foot, and slipped over it a small brass weight of 

 three ounces. Thereupon her front strides became equal and 

 her movement was as smooth and uniform as the pendulum of a 

 clock. A great many speed horses act badly when up to speed, 

 for the reason that their strides in front are not equal in length 

 at each footfall. In such a case, I shoe the front feet with the 

 heavier shoe on the hitching foot, the weight determined by the 

 circumstances. 



In general, to cure a horse of hitching, the farrier should 

 first learn the weights in front and behind the horse is accus- 

 tomed to when he trots squarely. Next find out at what gait 

 he begins hitching. Notice all the peculiarities and even ques- 

 tion the driver. But the most important is to see that the feet 

 are properly balanced and under the body. Then, having 

 studied the horse and learned all his defects and peculiarities, 

 shoe him to correct them all according to the instructions here- 

 tofore given. It may become a matter of more or less experi- 

 ment, but practical experience and good judgment are the 

 handmaids of success in scientific farriery. Cultivate them. 



