288 



FORGING AND CUTTING. 



probably exaggerate the condition. An uneven tread is apt 

 to result in an irregular method of advancing the foot; this 

 favours striking. Before proceeding to special measures, it is 

 generally desirable to try the effect of a perfectly flat shoe 

 and level bearing. In the majority of cases this will stop 

 cutting. The point which strikes can usually be precisely 

 located, as it is either whitish or smooth, or at least free 

 of dirt; sometimes it is reddened with blood. In the ab- 

 sence of such indication, the hoof or the point struck may 

 be whitened, and the horse trotted. The colouring matter 

 will then be transferred from the hoof to the fetlock, or vwe 



Fig. 280. — Cutting shoe, ground surface. 



Fig. 281.— Cutting shoe, foot surface. 



versa, and the exact points which come in contact clearly 

 indicated. 



When the cause is too broad a hoof, projecting clenches, 

 twisting of the shoe on the foot, it is only necessary to 

 amend the shoeing, but when faulty conformation is in 

 question, the striking point must be discovered, the hoof 

 diminished in size, its bearing surface altered, the shoe 

 opposite it straightened and so applied that it lies well 

 within the margin of the hoof. The hoof should project 

 to the extent of about one-third the thickness of the 

 wall. When striking is excessive, it may be necessary to 

 use a shoe holed and nailed only on one side (' blind-sided 

 shoe '). 



' Anti-cutting ' shoes, or shoes in which the inner limb is 

 diminished in width and deepened, forming a ' wedge heel ' 



