FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AND MOVEMENT. 205 



the legs inclined inward, their feet would stand closely together 

 and the growth was greater on the inside than on the outside 

 quarter ; or vice versa, if the points of the shoulder were nar- 

 row, the horse knock-kneed, and the feet apart, the growth 

 would be larger on the outer than inner quarter. 



And in fact the variation in growth at quarters may exist to 

 a great degree. In all my measurements of the wall from the 

 inner floors of the foot to the coronet, I did not find the quar- 

 ters vary in thickness one from the other. When the old cus- 

 tom existed of making shoes rights and lefts, the inner quar- 

 ter was made straighter than the outer, and even up to the 

 present day the unskillful farrier, in fitting shoes, files and rasps 

 the inner quarter straighter than the outer, to make the hoof 

 agree with the shoe. 



After all these examinations, I came to the conclusion that 

 there was no right or left to the foot ; that what w^ill fit one foot 

 will fit its mate. If the horse does not travel squarely on his 

 feet, search out the cause and you will find my statements true. 

 It is only the skillful farrier who can adjust shoes to correct 

 malformations ; the hind feet difler in shape from the fore feet ; 

 and it requires more good judgment to shoe the front than the 

 hind feet, to keep the horse squarely upon his feet. 



In conclusion, I desire to add briefly, in the light of the 

 above facts, that in order to have perfect horses, the feet should 

 be kept level and straight in colthood. The surplus growth 

 should be pared and removed at least four times a year, and 

 oftener, if necessary. For, if the feet be left to grow in a faulty 

 position up to maturity, we may expect imperfect feet or legs. 

 Almost any imperfect foot or leg, if treated in colthood, can be 

 straightened ; but if it be neglected to the age of six or seven 

 years, it is then too late, A great deal, however, can be done to 

 assist nature in restoring the malformation ; and it is not to be 

 denied that the usefulness of the horse depends upon good, solid 

 feet and legs. 



