19S HORSE-SHOEING. 



attached to it. Sand-crack, and other diseased conditions of this 

 part of the hoof, are mainly due to this cause. 



After applying the shoe in the manner we have described, and 

 laying down the clenches evenly on the wall of the hoof, no more 

 requires to be done, unless, perhaps, it be to round a little more 

 the edge of the narrow shreds of horn that may project on each 

 side of the clip, and thus prevent their liability to split. The 

 angle of the face of the hoof should never be interfered with 

 after the shoe is nailed on, but should be the same from top to 

 bottom as in the natural state. This is a matter of great importance. 

 Too much stress cannot be laid upon the preservation of the horn 

 of the hoof in its integrity. No amount of rasping or artificial 

 treatment can give the hoof the beautiful polish it has in its 

 natural state. 



Laying doivn Clips. — At this stage it is usual to apply the clip 

 or clips more exactly and evenly to the hoof before completing the 

 operation of shoeing ; and even this apparently trifling matter 

 demands care. With gradually decreasing blows of the shoeing- 

 hammer, each clip should be applied close to the hoof, commencing 

 at the bottom, where it springs from the shoe, and ascending to 

 its point, Clips should never be driven tight into the hoof. This 

 is injurious, and may induce disease. 



When, in due course, the period arrives for re-shoeing — usually 

 in a month or five weeks — the hoofs require to be reduced to their 

 normal dimensions ; the rules we have laid down for guidance 

 are to be followed out in the most scrupulous manner. The old 

 shoe is to be gently removed from the foot by carefully cutting- 

 away the clenches with the buffer ; the pincers are then to be 

 inserted toward the heel, between the hoof and shoe, and the 

 latter prized steadily upward from and across the foot. When by 

 this means the nails have been sufficiently sprung, they may be 



