14 INTRODUCTION 



In view of these facts, a thorough training of the young 

 horseshoer in the principles and practice of his trade is not only 

 greatly to he desired, but is really essential to success ; unreason- 

 ing work does as much harm in this as in any other vocation. 

 A good commoti-school education is necessary (more will do no 

 harm). Further requisites are a healthy body, not too tall, 

 liking for the worlc, aptness, an active, reasoning mind, fear- 

 lessness, dexterity, a good eye for proportion, and, finally, care- 

 ful selection of a master-instructor. Theoretically educated, 

 practically experienced and approved masters, in whose shops 

 all kinds of horses are shod, are to be preferred. 



During his term of apprenticeship the young apprentice 

 should learn to make drawings of horseshoes, of tools of the 

 trade, and of hoofs of various forms, and should also make one 

 or more model shoes as an indication of his ahility. After com- 

 pleting his time he should seek a position in a first-class shop, 

 either at home or abroad. A visit to foreign lands will mden 

 one's mental horizon and make him a broader, abler man in 

 every respect. Later, opportunity "vvill be given to some (in 

 Germany) to join the cavalry, and thus acquire a good educa- 

 tion in shoeing under the patronage of the government. Finally, 

 a course of instruction in a school of horseshoeing will convert 

 an already practical and intelligent horseshoer into a thoughtful, 

 capable, expert workman. 



The scope of horseshoeing is by no means so narrow and 

 insignificant as it may appear, and since a knowledge of the 

 anatomy and physiology of the horse's body in general, and of 

 the foot in particular, is necessary, it is evident that the schools 

 of horseshoeing in which one can get the best instruction are 

 those in which there is not only a regularly graded course of 



