THE HORSE EDUCiiTOB. 87 



there, than of the other parts, therefore shorten 

 the toe and lower the heels until you succeed in 

 bringing down the bearing surface of the hoof 

 upon the shoe to almost a level with the Hve- 

 hom of the sole, be careful to make the heels 

 level, having lowered the crust to the necessary 

 extent, smooth it down level with the rasp, the 

 sole and frog detach by exfoliation, as it becomes 

 superabundant, the sole therefore, would not 

 need paring were it not for the restraining effect 

 of the shoe upon the general function of the foot 

 which is liable to prevent such detachment of 

 the horn. The cutting away of the bars to give 

 the heels an open appearance is inexcusable and 

 should never be done ; in a natural healthy 

 condition the frog has a line of bearing with 

 the hoof and by its elastic nature acts as a 

 safe-guard to the delicate machinery of the 

 foot^ immediately over it and helps to pre- 

 serve the foot in its natural state by keep- 

 ing the heel, spread. It seems to be wisely 



