CHAKACTEKISTICS OF THE SOUND HOOF. 191 



Variations in the direction of the foot axis and in the form 

 of the hoof naturally alter the distribution of pressure in the 

 joints, and when due to faulty shoeing, and especially when 

 exaggerated, are of grave importance. Oblique hoofs, particu- 

 larly if shod so as to raise the frog from contact with the 

 ground, are apt to show contraction of the heels, whereas in 

 normal hoofs the change either fails to occur or is long delayed, 

 the reason probably being the greater weight thrown on the 

 posterior half of the foot. On account of this increased weight 

 on the posterior portions of the foot, the bars and frog are 

 unable to withstand the tendency of the heels to contract or 

 to be thrust inwards, and if the oblique hoof lias also weak 

 heels it is very soon converted into a contracted hoof, the bars 

 growing inwards and corns making their appearance. The 

 horse, especially if he have good action, soon becomes useless 

 for work on hard roads. This form of hoof, when accompanied 

 by out-turned toes and Hat soles, is very troublesome. The 

 unequal distribution of weight is the chief evil, a fact which 

 explains why, in horses with out-turned toes, corns are more 

 frequent in the inner, and in those with in-turned toes in the 

 outer heel. 



In horses with out-turned toes, unequal distribution of 

 weight is also responsible to a very large extent for the pro- 

 duction of sand cracks and separations of the inner wall, and 

 in upright hoofs of sand cracks at the toe. 



5. Characteristics of the Sound Hoof. 



The description of the hoof by no means terminates with 

 consideration of its form. On the contrarv, its characteristics 

 vary to such a degree that one might almost venture to say 

 of a hundred horses no two could ber found with hoofs which 

 would exactly correspond. They vary almost as men's faces, 

 a fact which explains the differences in size, form, and fitting 

 necessary in shoes. One of the first things the farrier has to 

 consider is whether the hoof is healthy. It may be said, in 

 passing, that healthy hoofs are not so common as is believed. 

 The wall of a health v hoof, when viewed from in front and 

 from the side, should run in a straight line from the coronary 

 to the bearing margin, so that a straight-edge laid on it in the 



