EXAMINATION OF FOOT AND OLD SHOE BEFORE SHOEING. 201 



formation of the hoof will be remarked. In the event of the 

 wall exhibiting rings, their relation to one another and to the 

 coronet, whether they cross, etc., should be observed, while 

 the lenoth of the shoe must not be overlooked. 



Finally, the feet are lifted and the width of the hoof, the 

 condition of the sole, whether little or no horn is being shed 

 from it and the frog, the depth of the lateral grooves of the 

 frog (which indicates the thickness of the sole), the state of 

 the lateral cartilages and bulbs of the heels, and the presence 

 of cracks or cavities in the horn of the wall will be seen. The 

 form, holing, position, wear, and age of the old shoe nmst be 

 borne in mind. It will be seen whether the shoe corresponds 

 in form to the hoof, and whether the number and distribution 

 of the nail holes and nails appear good. The shoe may com- 

 pletely cover the bearing surface of the wall or may project on 

 either side and thus give rise to brushing or unequal wear. 

 The distribution of wear is of great importance. Unilateral 

 wear is often seen conjoined with irregular tread and deformity 

 of the wall, especially when this irregular wear has been 

 allowed to continue for several shoeings. As a rule, the side 

 of the shoe thus excessively worn is too narrow and the 

 opposite too wide, or that part of the wall lying above is too 

 high, the opposite too low, or the shoe is applied ' across the 

 foot.' In all such cases the bearing surface at the point of 

 excessive wear is too small. 



The object of the examination should be to give the farrier 

 a clear notion of the conformation of the limb, of the gait, of 

 the form of the foot and of the hoof. His object should then 

 be to obviate such defects and supply such wants as he 

 observes. 



3. liEMOVAL OF THE OlD ShOES. 



In horses with sound hoofs all the shoes can be taken off 

 one after the other, but in handling diseased hoofs this should 

 be avoided. In removing shoes considerable care is required 

 and violence should never be used. If very dirty the hoofs 

 can be cleaned with a brush. The doorman feels for the clench 

 with the point of his finger, places the buffer against it, and 

 with a smart blow of the hammer cuts it without injuring the 



