300 ON THE TREATMENT OF HORSES' FEET, 



when, I say, it does happen that these horses have 

 convex feet, it is customary not to make their shoes of 

 more substance or of greater breadth than can possibly 

 be avoided, according to the size of the foot and the 

 vv^eight of the horse, as these horses have to go a more 

 rapid pace than heavy horses of slower movements — 

 such, for instance, as those which work in harness. 

 Neither race-horses nor hacks have occasion for caulk- 

 ings to their shoes. The same may be said with re- 

 spect to hunters, unless when hunting. In shoeing such 

 of these horses as have convex feet, it is not an easy 

 matter for the smith to prevent the frogs from coming 

 somewhat in contact with the ground, in consequence, 

 as I have already observed, of the quarters and heels 

 of such feet being so very low and weak; from which 

 circumstance, the frogs are invariably large, and in a 

 most sound, healthy, and elastic state. This arises 

 from their being almost constantly in contact with the 

 ground. Whether such horses are standing in the 

 stables, or are m action, their frogs are exposed to what 

 may be called natural pressure, which I conceive to be 

 absolutely necessary ; and I recommend that it should 

 at all times be allowed to take place when it can con- 

 veniently be done, by the heels of strong feet being 

 kept moderately low, and the frog pared as little as 

 possible. 



The horses belonging to the regiment in which I am 

 now serving are light, with some little breeding ; con- 

 sequently there are but few with feet of the above de- 

 scription. But when any of their feet are in such a 



