708 SHOEING. 



long and the heels extremely low, thick-heeled shoes or heel calks 

 are indicated. 



" The hind shoes should be light and long at the heels, giving the 

 heels of the shoe as wide a bearing as possible. In case the toe of 

 the hind foot is much worn, and as a consequence the hoof spread 

 at its plantar surface, clips should be drawn up from each 

 side of the shoe, so as to grasp the wall at its widest part. No 

 attempt should be made to fit the shoe to the squared and shortened 

 toe ; but give it the natural form, and let it project at the toe to 

 that extent that would indicate the length of the hoof were it un- 

 worn. Heel calks upon the hind shoes are applicable to nearly all 

 cases. 



" In all cases of overreaching or clicking, adjusting the hoof and 

 shoe so that the inside quarter and toe of the hoof are higher than 

 the outside, will assist in overcoming the difficulty." 



Stumbling. 



"Stumbling is usually associated with some? diseased condition of 

 the foot. In "the prevention of this disagreeable and dangerous 

 habit, particular attention must be given to cutting the hoof. Eeduce 

 the hoof all it will bear without injury ; see that the hoof is of 

 equal depth on each side of the toe. This you can ascertain best 

 by standing in front of the horse and comparing the two sides. In 

 fitting the shoe, bend up the toe, giving it the rounded appearance 

 of one well Avorn. If calks must be used, weld toe calk back to 

 inner margin of web, making it low. In the stable use wet swabs 

 to the feet." 



Shoeing Soke or Tender Feet. 



It is very important in shoeing sore or tender feet to enable the 

 horse to travel with the greatest comfort and ease. As will be 

 found in " Navicular or Chronic Lameness," much depends upon 

 the method of shoeing in producing favorable conditions, which 

 should be studied in connection with this explanation. Should a 

 horse show increased tenderness or soreness while driving down 

 hill or over rough, stony roads, at times " crimpling" badly, 

 going better on smooth, soft, or sandy roads, and Avith the shoe 

 worn perceptibly more at the toe than at the lieels, first see 

 whether there is any contraction at the inner or both quarters, with 

 th(} hoof looking rather hard and glossy (usually one foot only will 

 show this condition, and may be correspondingly tender ®r lame). 

 Also see whether the lameness came on snddonlv oi- gradually. If 



