CHAPTER XXVI. 



NATURAL FOOT OF THE HORSE AND HOW TO PRESERVE 



IT. 



The foot of the horse is one of the most important (and least under- 

 stood) part of his organization. It should be of proportionate size to 

 the animal. The wall should be more or less upright, smooth, thick and 

 tough, about twice the length at the toe that it is at the heel (from the 

 hair to the ground surface), and well spread at the heel. 



THE FROG AND SOLE NATURE'S PROTECTION OF THE 

 FOOT. 



The sole should be concave, and provided with good strong bars 

 (braces) to aid the frog in its elastic action. The frog (nature's heel 

 cushion, jar protector and heel spreader) should be large, smooth and 

 elastic. 



We here present cuts of the plantar (or bottom surface) of several 

 feet, to show their difference in conformation and appearance to the 

 careful observer. 



The foot reaift,- fyr the shof, s/louinff 

 froQ fuui fjors as thei/ should be I'e/i 



Sound but flcu foot 



Cut No. 51. 

 GROUND SURFACE OF TWO FAIRLY GOOD FEET. 



Fig. I shows the healthy, well-formed foot, ready for the fitting of the 

 shoe without the use of the "butrass," or paring knife, leaving the frog, 



