62 HORSES AND RIDING. 



CHAPTER X. 



SHOEING. 



Theee are in the care of a horse four thing's which 

 come particularly under the notice of the owner of 

 a horse, and are of great importance both to the 

 horse and to his rider ; these are shoeing, feeding, 

 saddling, and bridling. 



To begin with shoeing. If anyone wishes to 

 become completely puzzled and mystified, let him go 

 to his blacksmith and ask him to explain the merits 

 of his particular method of shoeing. I need not say 

 that if a horse's foot has any peculiarity, or if he 

 has any failing in his feet, his shoes will have to be 

 adapted to meet that defect ; but of this matter, 

 with the exception of one or two observations on 

 the commonesb defects, I do not intend to treat, as 

 I am supposing the case of a horse with sound, 

 properly- shaped feet and no particular defect. 



To begin, therefore, with the horse^s feet. If a 

 horse is sound and free from disease I do not think 

 the shape and make of his feet are matters of so 

 much importance as is generally supposed. 



