92 



Where "cutting, or "interference," as it is 

 more scientifically called, proceeds from faulty 

 action, farriers will often attempt to cure it by 

 an alteration in the shoe. For a time the cure 

 appears perfect, but I have always found in such 

 cases, that after a few days, a wound appears in 

 another place, an inch higher or lower perhaps, in 

 the leg. I have no faith in any remedy of the 

 kind ; a boot or a pad, fastened round the hoof 

 that interferes, is the only effectual precaution. I 

 have heard of another plan being successfully 

 adopted, namely, cutting off the interior extremity 

 of the shoe ; but although in dry weather this may 

 succeed, it will occasion a yet more serious evil 

 when the roads become wet. The heel that is 

 left unprotected by the iron will be worn away, 

 and lameness will certainly ensue. 



Authors, like horses, are sometimes apt to 

 gallop over their ground too fast. I have omitted 

 in my remarks on the diseases of the foot, to notice 

 a symptom of frequent occurrence and easy de- 

 tection. If the feet appear to the hand unusually 

 warm, distrust should be awakened ; more espe- 

 cially if there is a marked difference between their 

 temperature. The hoof ought to be perfectly cool : 

 after hard riding on a beaten road, or over stones, 

 particularly in dry weather, a little warmth will 



