200 THE PKACTICE OF SHOEING. 



of either limb is then examined, special attention being given 

 to the direction of the fetlock and of the quarters of the hoof, 

 it being borne in mind that the fetlock and hoof should follow 

 the same general line, as otherwise the foot axis will be bent. 

 At the same time the manner in which the hoof is carried and 

 the angle of the fetlock should be noted, both when weight is 

 placed upon it and when it is removed. A few paces at the 

 trot will show whether the animal is lame or not. The con- 

 formation of the limbs and the form of the hoof, toQ;ether with 

 the manner in which it is carried and put down, having been 

 ascertained, the horse is examined at rest, and a mental note 

 made of the hoof and stvle of shoeinsj, as far as can be done 



FIG. 191. 



by viewing the parts from in front and behind. The appear- 

 ance of the coronet, the presence of any curvature, of rings or 

 fissures in the wall, and, at the same time, any other defects or 

 peculiarities, such as one hoof being narrower or more upright 

 than another, receive attention. 



The examination of the animal at rest and from the side 

 comes next in order. The farrier will note at a glance the 

 weight, height, and length of the body, the position and direc- 

 tion of the limbs and hoofs, whether the form of the hoof 

 corresponds to the direction of the limbs, whether the line of 

 the fetlock agrees with that of the toe wall, and whether the 

 toe and heel walls run parallel ; at tlie same time the general 



