176 HORSE-SHOEING. 



with, regard to the sole and frog-sustaining weight, though in the 

 slow- moving animal it is of less importance, perhaps, than in the 

 lighter and more fleet one. The massive draught horse requires 

 toe and heel projections or ' c catches" on the ground surface of 

 the shoes, to economise his locomotive powers and to aid his 

 powerful efforts ; though his hoofs none the less require the 

 observance of those conservative principles which have been so 

 strongly insisted upon, but which are so very seldom applied. 



To give the greatest amount of strength and foothold to the 

 shoes of the heavy draught horse, with the least amount of 

 weight, should be an object always kept in view in making them. 

 But, with this animal, the principal object is the preservation of 

 the wall of the hoof in order tMfct it may remain sound and strong 

 for the retention of the nails ; to assist in effecting this, the sole 

 and frog must be preserved intact. 



The form of the shoe in all cases should in outline resemble the 

 shape of the ground surface of the hoof. It has been decided that 

 its upper surface must be flat from the outer to the inner margin. 

 For horses other than those of heavy draught, its width will of 

 course vary ; but it is an advantage to have it as narrow as is 

 compatible, in relation to its thickness, with the amount of wear 

 required from it. 



The ground-face of the shoe is the next point for consideration. 

 This should always be, if possible, parallel with its upper face ; 

 that is, the shoe ought to be plane on both surfaces, and of the 

 same thickness on both sides, not only in the fore, but also the 

 hind shoes. This guarantees the foot and limb being kept in a 

 natural position. What are termed " calkins" on one or both 

 heels are very objectionable, for the simple reason that, as has 

 been stated, they raise the back part of the foot higher than 

 the front, and throw the limb forward ; unless the hoof 

 meets the ground in its natural direction, some portion 



