SHOEING. 121 



out, squeezed in, twisted about, has been lengthened and has been 

 shortened, subjected to every species of treatment but the right; and 

 each trivial alteration has been patented to the public as a final and a 

 wonderful improvement. After all the many changes, at the present 

 time a modification of the shoe originally introduced by Clark, of Edin- 

 burgh, is in general use, or, if such an assertion requires any qualifica- 

 tion, the hospital shoes, or shoes suited for particular forms of disease, 

 are the principal exceptions. 



The generality of grooms will undertake the relief of those injuries 

 occasioned during motion, or which are produced by one leg being hit 

 by the opposite foot. 



Of cutting there are two descriptions. One is spoken of as "brush- 

 ing," and this kind occurs near to the pastern joint. The other is called 

 "speedy-cut," and it takes place immediately below the knee. Both 

 are equally annoying; but the last is the most dangerous, "Speedy- 

 cut" will destroy the rider's security in his horse ; for a blow on the seat 

 of injury may bring the animal suddenly to earth. Both affections are 

 likely to occasion exostosis ; for the repeated injury may so irritate the 

 bone as shall cause it to enlarge or tumefy. Thus, the renewal of the 

 accident produces a result which must increase the probability of its 

 recurrence. 



Almost all weakly, long-legged, and narrow-chested horses cut. 

 Creatures with cow hocks are said to be exposed to this calamity. 

 Many young horses strike in going; but they lose the habit as age 

 matures the strength. Nearly all animals, when exhausted, will 

 "brush," and often very severely. Lately, a ring of India-rubber 

 has been employed as a protection against this annoyance; but it is 

 a mere fantasy, and one not at all calculated to realize any practical 

 expectation. Confirmed disappointment engenders a feeling allied to 

 desperation; but when nostrums fail, advice should then be sought 

 from more lofty counselors. 



The speedy-cut has already been alluded to in the Illustrated Horse 

 Doctor ; but in that volume no mention was made of what is ordinarily 

 implied by "brushing," which is conned principally to the hind extrem- 

 ities. It is astonishing how great may be the annoyance which a mat- 

 ter apparently so trivial will occasion; and it is a legitimate source of 

 surprise how deep the wound can be, or how lasting the blemish, pro- 

 duced by slight blows, frequently becomes. The groom may exhaust 

 his stock of remedies, and the master may expend some money and 

 much patience, watching for a cure which is i^ever effected. 



Let the defeated proprietor then apply to some practical veterinary 

 Burgeon, who will inform him of the real cause of the injury which has 



