200 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



1. Too straight. 2. Too much bent. 3. Too far beliiiid. 



Fig. 94. faulty positions op uind legs, side view. 



what condition or nialtbrniation of the legs causes deviation 

 therefrom. It must be borne in mind, however, that experience 

 is the best and only teacher in matters of this kind, and that all 

 I can attempt within the limits of this branch of my subject, 

 is to set the reader on the right track; the rest depends upon 

 himself. 



The character and position of the hock has much to do with 

 the standing position of the rear part of the horse, and the 

 numerous faulty positions in which we show this is conclusive 

 on this point. The qualities of a good hock are that it should 

 be clear, rigid, and well defined, without puffiness or swelling ; 

 the bones should be large and prominent, and viewed from the 

 side should appear wide above and below. They should be 

 neither straight or overbent. There is also a relative value to 

 be attached to hocks malformed or apparently differing from 

 those laid down. Horses with defective hocks may be good 

 for one sort of work and unsuited to another. As for instance, 



