HORSESHOEING. 159 



B. Care of Shod Hoofs. 



Shod hoofs are exposed to many more injuries than are 

 unshod hoofs, because shoeing iteelf, although absolutely neces- 

 sary to render horses continuously serviceable upon hard streets, 

 is injurious to the hoof, since it to a greater or less extent 

 prevents the physiological movements of the different parts of 

 the foot, interferes with the circulation of the blood in the 

 foot, slows the growth of the horn, and brings about a gradual 

 shrinking of the entire hoof. 



In addition, there are the injurious consequences of stabula- 

 tion. These are prevention of free movement^ uncleanliness 

 due to bad floors and filthy bedding, — as, for example, peat 

 moss and soiled straw, — and dryness. 



Continuous standing always contributes to contraction of 

 the hoofs, and this evil is greatly favored by dryness, which 

 more particularly affects the front hoofs. The hind hoofs re- 

 ceive sufficient moisture from the animal's manure. Poor 

 floors, particularly those that are uneven, tire the limbs. 

 Accumulation of manure and the careless use of stationary sole- 

 pads induce thrush of the frog. 



The object of hoof nurture is to lessen or entirely remove 

 all these injurious consequences of shoeing and stabulation. 

 It comprises, therefore, not only the proper shortening of the 

 hoofs every five to six weeks, but careful attention to cleanliness 

 and moisture. Both are insured by dry 'straw and daily picking 

 out and washing the hoofs. Such measures will prevent thrush 

 in the hind feet. If front hoofs are washed once a day. suffi- 

 cient moisture will penetrate the horn to give it that degree 

 .of suppleness (elasticity) which is possessed by an unshod hoof, 

 and which contributes to a proper expansion of the hoof when 

 the body-weight is placed upon it In ord^r to prevent a hoof 

 from again drying out, the entire hoof should receive a thorough 

 application of an oil or ointment (hoof-salve). The object of 

 greasing the horn is to prevent evaporation of the moisture 



