308 LEATHEli AND KUBBEK PADS, ETC 



three projections on its inner margin, while the heels are 

 turned inwards at the ends, like a broken or interrupted bar 

 shoe. Before insertion, the straw is moistened, and the horny 

 sole smeared with tar to prevent thrush. To ensure it re- 

 maining in position, the pad should be so large that its margin 

 extends between the hoof and shoe. It has the same advan- 

 tages as the rope pad, and is very cheap — in fact, it can be 

 made by the groom. Its disadvantages are : the rapidity with 

 which it wears out on rough hard ground, and the fact that in 

 thrushy feet its use aggravates the disease, despite the previous 

 use of tar or other disinfectant. Pads formed of wood fibre or 

 hemp are somewhat more durable, but otherwise have no 

 special advantages over straw pads. 



7. Cork Pads 



are made by cutting from a sheet of cork about ^ inch thick 

 a piece corresponding in size to the outline of the seated 

 portion of the shoe. The piece is then pared so as to fit the 

 surface of the sole, and the outer and under margin cut away, 

 corresponding to the seating of the shoe. After being softened 

 in hot water, the mass of cork is forced into position between 

 the limbs of the shoe. It is not necessary for the heels to be 

 so incurved as when using straw pads, nor for the cork to 

 enter so far under the shoe. Being at first soft, it moulds 

 itself to the inner margin of the shoe. 



The cork pad is light, cheap, and durable ; sometimes, how- 

 ever, it induces thrush. 



8. Felt Pads. 



Felt, which on account of its soft, elastic nature has been 

 largely employed, as an upper layer, in various forms of pad for 

 tender feet, and even as a material for the fabrication of entire 

 pads, does not, in general, deserve the praise it has received. 

 It is too yielding, and, therefore, does not always prevent pressure 

 by the shoe. It rubs through at the heels, takes up too much 

 water, and in oblique hoofs renders the sole soft. Further, its 

 yielding soon causes the shoe to become loose. In all these- 

 respects it is much inferior to leather. If it is intended merely to 



