162 HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



occurs, it must happen at the very moment when the 

 hoof of the leading leg passes close below the knee of 

 the non-leading one, and consequently the latter's liabi- 

 lity to be struck can be lessened, or altogether obviated 

 by removing its knee and cannon bone out of the line of 

 the stroke of the leading leg. Mr. Spooner remarks 

 " Many horses strike from weakness, and cease to do so 

 when they regain strength and condition. This is more 

 particularly observable with young horses." I have 

 also known a horse, that was a most determined puller, 

 speedy cut only when he tired in his gallop. The 

 shoeing of such horses should not be interfered with, 

 but boots should be used for prevention. 



Plates Are simply very light shoes, which are in- 

 tended to last for only one or two races. They are 

 generally fixed on the morning of the day before the 

 race, and the horse is then sent for a short gallop to see 

 that all is right, which constitutes that day's work. A 

 light plate for an Arab will weigh about 2f oz. and be 

 about half an inch broad. But as most horses, out here, 

 have to run at different meetings, that follow each other 

 in quick succession, I much prefer using a stouter plate, 

 in fact a compromise between the plate and shoe used in 

 training. Such an one for an Arab will weigh about 3J 

 oz. and ought to last through three weeks' work, and 

 may be made five-eighths of an inch broad all round. 

 Plates and light shoes may have a clip in front for 

 the fore-feet, to give them additional hold. Nails for 

 plates should be much lighter than those for ordinary 

 shoes. 



Mr. Darvill recommends, " if a horse's feet are weak 



