CHAPTER VI. 



CAEE OF THE HOOF. 



The ideas entertained by many owners, and especially by 

 farriers and coachmen, as to the proper treatment of the hoof, 

 are usually so peculiar, and their practice is attended by such 

 disastrous results, that a few remarks on the care of the hoof 

 may not be superfluous. The primary objects should be to 

 retain the natural form of the hoof, and to keep the horn 

 sound and elastic. 



(a) Tkeatment of Unshod Hoofs. 



The treatment of the foal's hoof is of considerable import- 

 ance. The most beneficial effects are obtained by free exercise 

 on dry but not stony ground. The hoofs being thus worn 

 down, it is only occasionally necessary to note whether wear is 

 regular, and should it not be so, to remove irregularities with 

 the rasp. 



When foals are confined to the stable this regulai- wear 

 ceases, the hoof becomes distorted, the wall growing too long, 

 becoming bent, or at times even separated, from subjacent 

 structures. Weak heels tend to bend inwards and to diminish 

 in width. The toe becomes elongated, rendering the fetlock 

 too sloping, the tread unsafe, and the gait stumbling. It should, 

 therefore, be shortened from time to time. In-curved heels 

 are to be lowered and the outer and lower margin of the 

 wall rounded off with the rasp. Should the hoof begin to 

 assume a flat appearance much may be done to remedy the 

 defect by intelligent trimming of the hoof, always keeping in 

 mind, however, the normal relations of the hoof and foot axes. 

 Eegular washing of the hoofs and the provision of plenty 

 of clean bedding are of great importance. 



