158 



HORSESHOEING. 



with the rasp. In the base-wide and base-narrow standing 

 positions the outer and inner walls respectively become relatively 

 long and induce the colt to assume a still more abnormal posi- 

 tion. The young and pliant pasterns may thus become perma- 

 nently twisted and distorted (see Figs. 183 and 184). In 

 a hoof that is becoming awry, restoring to the wall its proper 



level with relation to the 

 poisition of the limb will 

 not only be invaluable in 

 ultimately producing a good 

 hoof, but will improve the 

 faulty position of the limb. 

 In exceptional cases, where 

 the plantar border of some 

 section of the wall gives 

 evidence of too rapid wear, 

 the application of a tip or 

 of a half-shoe may be of 

 benefit. Furthermore, Ave 

 should attempt to secure 

 greater cleanliness by fre- 

 quently and thoroughly wash- 

 ing the hoofs and bedding 

 with plenty of good straw. 



Too early ' shoeing of 

 young horses is very injuri- 

 ous; it hinders the development of the hoofs, and, furthermore, 

 young horses when shod are frequently seriously overworked 

 and prematurely ruined. Moderate work in the fields does not 

 injure young horses, but for such service they do not require 



Left front long pastern of a colt showing com- 

 pressian shortening of outer half: a , transverse 

 axis of upper articulation; b, transverse axis of 

 coronary joint, not parallel to upper axis. 



The unshod hoofs of older horses should be periodically 

 rounded with a rasp and the length of the walls regulated when, 

 by reason of a lack of exercise, proper wear has not taken place. 



