266 THE PUACTICE OF SHOEING. :: 



compensated for, as in hot fitting. Nevertheless, under certain 

 circumstances, as in war, etc., it may be advantageous. It is 

 impossible to give detailed directions to meet all circumstances. 

 Flat shoes must be fitted somewhat differently to those with 

 calkins and toe-pieces, and variations have constantly to be 

 made to meet special requirements. 



In fittino' the shoe it should be brouoht tr) a brii»ht red 

 heat. If irregularly heated, the hammer often produces dis- 

 tortion in other parts than those to be altered. The nearer 

 either limb of the shoe approaches the middle line of the hoof, 

 the greater the wear on it and the greater the w^eight thrown 

 on that particular half of the hoof, while at the same time the 

 bearing surface is reduced. The converse is equally true, though 

 the results of all such peculiarities are more marked on the 

 outer side of the shoe. The same principle applies both to- 

 the toes and limbs of' the shoe. Needless to say, the distances 

 through which such modifications are possible can be measured 

 only in sixteenths of an inch. It is always necessary to keep' 

 the inner limb of the hind slioe comparatively narrow, and the 

 calkin (if present) well rounded off, both to avoid the shoe 

 being trodden on and to prevent striking. 



It should also be remembered that it is an advantage and 

 preserves the wall to provide the broadest possible bearing 

 surface between the shoe and the hoof. The breadth of the 

 bearing surface of the shoe must necessarily correspond to that 

 of the wall, the white line, and the narrow rim of sole before 

 indicated. In fiat, oblique hoofs, therefore, with oblique walls, 

 the bearing surface must be broader than in others. 



All defects on the bearing surface, in the nail holes, etc., 

 must be removed in fitting, clips must be drawn, and the shoes 

 made to correspond exactly to the contour of the foot. The 

 bearing surface, especially at the back of the shoe, must be 

 absolutely horizontal, its breadth being regulated by that of 

 the hoof. When it slopes inwards that very injurious con- 

 traction of the hoof which always occurs to a certain extent as 

 a result of shoeing will be promoted. In the region of the nail 

 holes, on the contrary, a slight slope is not only harmless, but 

 indeed favourable. Generally speaking, a shoe should be a 

 plane, so that if laid on a flat surface all portions of its hoof- 

 bearing margin will be in contact with it. The only exceptions- 



