60 SHOEING. 



is frequently done, contraction or permanent lameness is the 

 result. The horn between the bars and crust must be re- 

 moved ; when this is done, and the shoe rests on the junction 

 of the bars and crust, the horse will generally be free from 

 corns. 



The frog must be carefully pared away according to the 

 shape and prominence of the foot, but it must be left within 

 and above the lower surface of the shoe ; if it descend lower 

 than this, it will be injured ; and if it be allowed to remain 

 higher, it will not touch the ground, and its intention is thus 

 rendered abortive, and its functions cannot be discharged. 



For a perfect hoof, the shoe should not be more than three 

 quarters of an inch broad, and of the same thickness at the 

 heel as at the toe. 



The surface of the shoe that bears on the ground should 

 be flat ; that next the foot, particularly at the toe, should be 

 hollowed ; for even in good feet, the sole towards the toe is 

 often level with the crust, and consequently would be pressed 

 upon by the shoe, were its surface made flat. The toe of 

 the shoe, being the part that wears most, should be formed of 

 steel. The nails should be placed as near the toe as is con- 

 sistent with the security of the shoe, that there may be as 

 little restraint as possible upon the motion of the heels, and 

 quarters of the hoof. 



The crust of flat feet is usually weak ; therefore, great care 

 is required in nailing on the shoe ; and this will appear the 

 more necessary, when it is considered how much pain the 

 animal must suffer, and what severe lameness may ensue, 

 should he happen to lose a shoe during a journey. Horses 

 that, have long and slanting pasterns, with weak, low heels, 

 require a shoe rather thicker at the heel than the toe ; and 

 when the pasterns are short and upright, and the crust of the 

 heels deep and strong, a thin-heeled shoe is proper. 



The most important object to be borne in mind, is the treat- 

 ment of the foot at the time of shoeing. The blacksmith 

 should never cut away more of the hoof than would be worn 

 away were the animal in a state of unrestrained freedom. 



