HORSE-SHOEING. 149 



as upon the treatment the hoof receives before and after the ap- 

 plication of that article. 



To illustrate these evils, and to show how unreasonable the 

 modern art of farriery is, as well as how it should be practised 

 we will commence with the foot of the unshod colt, and, in the 

 simplest words at our command, indicate the ordinary procedure 

 in applying shoes to its hoofs for the first time, pointing out, at 

 each step in the process, what is wrong and what is right, and giving 

 reasons for the adoption of the principles which ought to guide the 

 farrier in this most important operation. 



PREPARING THE HOOF. 



We will premise that the young horse about to have its hoofs 

 armed for the first time is tolerably docile, and that its tranquility 

 is not likely to be severely disturbed by the strange manipulations 

 to which its limbs are to be subjected. For many months previously 

 its attendants have had this ordeal in view, and in handling it have 

 not forgotten to manipulate its legs and feet quietly and gently in 

 something the same fashion that the farrier is likely to do -even 

 going so far in the lesson as to tap lightly on its uplifted hoof, as 

 if nailing on the shoe. The young creature is intelligent enough to 

 perceive that in this no harm or punishment is intended, and it soon 

 becomes familiar with the practice. 



The farrier who shoes a young horse for the first or second 

 time should be a patient, good-tempered man, and an adept in 

 the management of horses and handling their limbs. If the opera- 

 tion is to be performed in a forge, there should be as little noise of 

 hammers or glare of fires as possible— everything ought to be con- 

 ducted quietly, steadily, and with kindness. Harsh treatment or 

 unskillful handling should be severely reprehended, and all restraint 



