142 ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 



grows much faster at the toe than at the heel, dragging 

 the shoe forward slightly, and gradually changing the angle 

 the coffin-bone makes with the pastern-bone. This has the ef- 

 fect of diminishing the work of the extensor tendon at the ex- 

 pense of the flexor tendon. Not only is this equilibrium de- 

 stroyed by leaving the shoe on too long, but the heel of the shoe 



Figure 93. — Shoe on Too Long 



gradually bears more and more on the seat of corn, rendering 

 lameness from corns extremely liable. 



Experience teaches that four weeks is the safe limit to leave 

 the shoe on without re-seating it. This gives importance to the 

 first rule in the care of the horse's feet: 



All shoes to be removed at the end of a month's wear. 



