152 HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



towards the toe, and is full, round, and solid, with 

 perhaps a few loose shreds in process of exfoliation, and 

 the cleft extending to a very slight depth. In consist- 

 ence it resembles a piece of India-rubber, if in a 

 moist condition ; but if dry, then it is harder and less 

 vulnerable. This is the condition in which the hoof 

 should be studied by every horseman and every farrier: as 

 it is the condition in which it should and can be maintained 

 by careful management and shoeing." (Fleming.) 



As the frog and sole form a pedestal for the support 

 of the column of the bones of the foot, they should, 

 naturally, have a firm basis on which to rest. 



Young horses require to be shod, or their shoes re- 

 moved, oftener than older animals, as the horn of their 

 feet grows faster. A three or four year old should, 

 generally, have his shoes taken off every three weeks, 

 while an aged horse may go a week longer. 



The clenches of the nails of the old shoe ought to be 

 cut off by the buffer, without the use of the rasp. 



As the shoe is used simply as a protection against 

 wear, it should be applied in a manner that it will 

 interfere, as little as possible, with the natural shape and 

 functions of the foot; hence we may adopt the following 

 rules for preparing the foot, before putting on the shoe. 



Preparation of the foot. The horn of the hoof grows 

 equally fast all round, but when the animal is shod, 

 the shoe, being immoveable at the toe, protects it 

 from wear, while the heels are constantly being 

 shortened by the effect of friction with the iron 

 at that part; hence, when the shoe has been on 

 some time, the horn under the toe in order that the 



