208 



SIMPLE RULES FOR SHOEING, AND 

 MANAGEMENT OF THE FEET OF 

 HORSES. 



LA FOSSE, a celebrated French veterinarian, said, 

 " Pas dtpied, pas de cheval" which British writers 

 interpret, " No foot, no horse/' and thereby 

 indicate the amount of importance which is at- 

 tached to the member, as forming an integral 

 part of the animal body. Many have enlarged 

 upon the theme in various ways, with not unsuc- 

 cessful eloquence ; others have sown broadcast a 

 mass of error, their observations being superficial 

 through their want of preliminary training. 



To preserve the foot is to maintain the capa- 

 bilities of the animal in a remarkable manner. 

 Its anatomical structure is of the most w r onderful 

 character, and suggests the advisability of greater 

 respect than is usually paid to that important 

 part. 



The hoof is a fibrous box or case, in which is 

 accurately fitted the softer and sensitive parts. 

 Its growth is secured from above at the coronet 

 downwards, where a special arrangement exists 

 for its formation. The sole and frog are also 

 developed and formed by structures of counter- 

 part shape on the inner side. 



The hoof is capable of a limited amount of 



