CHAPTER XXVII. 



SHOEING.. AND ITS EFFECTS. 



The form, construction and physiology of the horse's foot certainly in- 

 dicate he was designed by nature to go bare-foot, but if, owing to the 

 uses to which we put him, and the dry, hard roads over which he is com- 

 pelled to travel, the wall of the foot wears away faster than it grows, 

 something should be done to protect that part of his anatomy; and this 

 protection should be continued, both for the comfort of the horse and 

 profit to the owner, just so long as he is required to perform such 

 service, and no longer. 



THE UNSHOD HORSE SURER FOOTED THAN THE HORSE 

 CONTINUALLY SHOD. 



That the unshod horse, with good feet and of mature years, that has 

 never known what it is to wear iron upon his feet, is surer footed, sounder 

 in his action, and more perfectly gaited than the horse that has had the 

 benefit of the experience of the best horseshoers, there is no question. 

 Eut as circumstances and conditions call for our assistance in the care 

 of the animal that plays such an important part in our civilization, we 

 must consider the best means possible for his protection and preserva- 

 tion. 



REFERENCE TO OUR LATE FRIEND, DR. WILLIAM DICK- 

 SON. 



Owing to the high esteem in which we hold the sound judgment of 

 our late lamented friend and co-worker of former years. Dr. William 

 Dickson, of Litchfield, Minn., on this important subject, we shall make 

 frequent reference to his report on this subject, tew the bureau of animal 

 industry, as our views were in such perfect accord. We feel it a just 

 tribute he so fittingly merits. He says: 



HORSE SHOEING AN INJURY TO THE HORSES' FEET. 



'"The system of horseshoeing as it obtains, even in the most skillful 

 hands, is pregnant with mischief to the foot, which no one who is con- 

 versant with the facts will deny. Each time a horse is shod, every time 

 a nail is driven, means so much injury to the foot. The better the job, 

 the less the injury. 



THE HORNY WALL, SOLE AND FROG SHOULD NOT BE 

 MOLESTED. 



"The horny wall, and that portion of the sole which is in immediate 

 contact with it, on which the shoe should rest, are the only portions of 



