210 Simple Hides for Shoeing > and 



grows downwards, and the ends of the fibres of 

 which it is composed are presented to the ground. 

 On this account it is more resisting to the wear- 

 ing forces, and does not fall off in flakes or 

 scales. The ends of these fibres, or, in other 

 words, the ground surface of the wall or crust 

 only, should be absolutely cut away, and that 

 principally towards the toe, where the greatest 

 growth usually takes place in health. 



The sole and frog are capable of what is termed 

 exfoliating, or, in other words, detaching their waste 

 parts in flakes or scales. None but loose por- 

 tions should be cut away. These parts are quite 

 capable of their own reduction, and need no in- 

 terference. When shoes are being fitted, do not 

 apply them too hot, particularly to thin shelly 

 feet. If the feet are good, and no cutting is 

 carried on, as just directed, a hot shoe will do little 

 harm. 



Use well-drawn nails. Thick-necked nails 

 " bind" in the holes of the shoe, and frequently 

 press upon the sensitive structures of the foot, 

 causing severe lameness. Besides, they act as 

 perfect wedges to the hoof, splitting off portions 

 to its detriment. 



Let the nails be pointed with a long lead, and 

 nail holes in shoes be coarse, i.e., not too near 

 the outer web or edge. In this there is less 

 danger of laming horses than by the fine seam 

 and snub pointed nail. The former nail is driven 

 straight down, always having a tendency to go 



