132 



Centaur ; 



insert a nail not to cause pain, but the foot should be studied in 

 the state of nature, before the mechanism of man has, by artificial 

 appliances, distorted it. The shape of the hoof of the wild horse, 

 or of one which has never been shod, should be taken as a model. 

 The foot is then properly balanced, neither too long nor too broad, 

 but it has adjusted itself to nature, and the muscles and tendons 

 are not strained by travel. Continement and unskilful shoeing 

 change the anatomical relations of the foot, and the best judgment 

 of the mechanic is often taxed to correct the growing deformity — 

 from unskilled shoeing. When a reasoning, skilful mechanic is 

 found, the horse is safe in his hands, for he only preserves the 

 normal shape of the hoof, and adjusts the shoe to protect it. 

 The frog in the hoof of a horse is placed there for a particular 

 purpose, and should not be cut by the shoer. If this is allowed, 

 contraction and lameness will follow. The shape and weight of 

 the shoe should be accommodated to the purpose for which they 

 are designed. The tram horse requires a shoe lighter and without 

 corks, while the draught horse must have a heavy, broad shoe, 

 with corks, to enable him to obtain foothold, and travel with the 

 least possible strain. 



Therefore, the simple rule to be laid down as requiring 

 punctual attention in horse-keeping, in addition to the feet 

 and shoes, is — 



AlK, 



Light, 



Litter, 



Grooming, 



Exercise, 



Food, 



and Water, 





=5^«£§^iii%i 



