146 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



by the inner part of the hoof, as it often is in the hind 

 feet, the difficulty can be remedied, in a degree, 

 by rasping the inner side to reduce shghtly its con- 

 vex form and by placing the inner branch of the shoe 

 under the foot as far as possible without running too 

 much risk of bruising the sole. Relief is often gained 

 by shortening the inside of the hoof more than the 

 outside, in which case the inner branch of the shoe is 

 thickened to keep the foot level. The inner part 

 of the shoe should be well rounded so that there will 

 be as little danger as possible of inflicting injury. 

 In other cases, relief is gained by shoeing with a 

 three-quarter shoe — one coming about halfway 

 round on the inside and not covering the surface of 

 the inner quarter. Shoeing to remedy interfering 

 requires careful study of each individual. 



In the training of young horses for speed or high 

 action, boots are strongly recommended to prevent 

 injury, should the animal interfere. It is of very 

 common occurrence for youngsters to interfere until 

 they become familiar with the bit, after which no 

 difficulty is experienced. Furthermore, the colt 

 may become frightened at any time, lose his stride, 

 strike himself, and inflict serious injury. From the 

 very beginning, therefore, boots should be used as a 

 safeguard and as a preventive against possible 

 injuries (Fig. 27). 



