38 



HORSESHOEING. 



sinks downward and backward, the long pastern assumes a more 

 nearly horizontal direction, and the tension of the suspensory 

 ligament is increased. Thus, the perforans tendon is under 

 least tension, and the suspensory ligament under greatest strain, 

 when the foot-axis is broken strongly forward. 



D. The Elastic Parts of the Foot. 



All bodies which under pressure or traction change their 

 form, but return again to their original shape as soon as the 

 pressure or traction ceases, are called elastic or springy. Nearly 



Fig. 20. 



Os pedis and inner face of one lateral cartilage; a, toe of os pedis; a', pyramidal eminence 

 to which the extensor tendon attaches; a", wing of pedal bone; 6, lateral cartilage; C, points 

 of attachment of suspensory ligament of lateral cartilage; d, point of insertion of ligament 

 to the short pastern; e, point of insertion of ligaments from navicular bone. 



all parts of the horse's foot, except the bones, possess more or 

 less elasticity. The lateral cartilages and the plantar cushion 

 are elastic to a high degree, but the coronary hand, the laminae, 

 the articular cartilage, and the homy box or hoof are less elastic. 

 This property or characteristic is possessed by the respective 



