82 SHOEING. 



not provided with a proper shoe, he should at once 

 dismount and lead his bearer to the nearest forge, 

 where an old shoe most approaching to the size of the 

 foot that can possibly be found should be selected from 

 the heaj) of cast ones that generally lies by in a forge, 

 and let it be tacked on with three or four nails only, so 

 as to serve the creature to get home, or until the proper 

 shoe can be made. 



If a shoe comes off the hind foot, and the distance 

 from home is not above three or four miles, the animal 

 can be led or occasionally ridden that far without in- 

 jury, especially if the softest side of the road be selected 

 for the track, the hind feet being generally much 

 strono;er than the fore. 



Travelling. — The day before a long journey, look to 

 your horse's shoes ; see that the clinches are well laid 

 down and the shoes nailed tightly. As a rule, do not 

 have new shoes put on just before a journey, for the 

 least carelessness in fitting or nailing them may occa- 

 sion more or less lameness ; should it be severe, disap- 

 pointment and delay may result ; while if only appar- 

 ently slight at starting, and the animal endure the j)ain 

 patiently during its work, the cause being in existence 

 throughout will produce its effects only too palpably 

 w^hen the day's journey is over. If old shoes are nearly 

 worn, but will last the journey, let them by all means 

 remain on ; but directly the work is over, send for any 

 proper smith whose forge is nearest, and have them 

 taken off in the stable. Should the forge not be at 

 hand, the old slippers can of course be tacked on when 

 the horse, having had his rest, is taken to be shod. 

 All shoes, for road-work especially, should be made full 

 long to cover the heels. It should be borne in mind 



