SHOsma 



698 



at the inner quarter by the wall becoming straight or drawn in 

 sharply a little below the hair, the part at which the split inva- 

 riably occurs. This is proved by the fact that the quarter is most 

 liable to burst or split when the hoof is dry and hard, or when 

 concussion is increased by driving on hard roads. This tendency 

 to split is also increased by the inferior quality of horn grown; 

 because the contraction of the parts, or pressing of the wall in 

 against the soft parts so obstructs 

 the circulation that there is not 

 sufficient blood to grow a sound, 

 tough, healthy horn. On this ac- 

 count in all such cases, if serious, 

 the horn grows thin and brittle. 

 The only reliable and practical 

 cure is opening the quarters suffi- 

 ciently to remove pressure until 

 the new horn is grown, which can 

 be done to any degree desired as 

 follows : First, cut down between 

 the bar and frog of the inner quar- 

 ter, as explained for contraction, 

 until it will yield readily to pressure. Next cut away the edges 

 of the wall to the end of the split ; then make a crease with the 

 firing iron at the edge of the hair. If the split extends well up 

 into the coronary band, this can be omitted, and instead, the iron 

 touched length-ways with the split. If, however, the quarter is 

 properly opened, such interference with the firing-iron will be un- 

 necessary, as the horn would usually grow down sound without it. 

 Now fit a shoe as explained for contraction, putting a clip only 

 upon the inner side (as shown in Fig. 536). The opposite side is 

 to be nailed well back to counterbalance it. When the shoes are 

 nailed on, with the spreaders open the quarter all it will bear 

 without producing soreness, or about a quarter of an inch. This 

 done, fill the crack with a little melted resin or tallow, over which 

 put a little tow to prevent gravel or dirt from working into the 

 quick. It is next advisable to stimulate the growth of tough, 

 healthy horn. This can be done with hoof liniment, which should 

 be put on as explained, two or three times a week. In addition, 

 the hoof should not be permitted to become dry or hard, which can 



Fig. 533. — Quarter-craek. 



