SCIENTIFIC HORSBSHOBING. 



CHAPTER I. 

 THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 



JUDGING THE USEFUL QUALITIES OF LIGHT HORSES. 



At the present day, when the horse is so universally em- 

 ployed, and when, as a rule, each description of work is per- 

 formed by an animal having qualities especially adapted for it, 

 most men claim to be familiar with the general characteristics 

 that distinguish or mark the several types of horses, but few are 

 really quahfied to make an accurate discrimination between 

 them, or have the ability to recognize or to judge knowingly of 

 the " points " of a horse when it confronts them. This demands 

 a close study of the useful qualities of a horse in all his spheres 

 of labor, as well as a close knowledge of his vices, defects, and 

 relative soundness in all parts, and implies the possession of ripe 

 experience, extensive observation, and intimate acquaintance 

 with the ideals that guide breeders in the countless shiftings of 

 their work to suit the varying dictates of utility and fashion. 

 These attainments are rare and difficult possessions. Previous, 

 therefore, to making a critical examination of the organs and 

 functions of locomotion, in their relation to shoeing, which is in- 

 tended to be the main theme of this book, it is best to take a 

 preliminary view of the horse at large, that will, by a natural 

 and easy process, lead to a discussion of the details of the 

 subject. 



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