RE-SETTING OF SHOES. 141 



If there is a dry, hard condition of the feet, apply mois- 

 \ ire around the coronet by tying wet cloths around the 

 hoof, or poulticing, stopping the feet with flaxseed meal, as 

 before explained ; after which, apply some of the prepara- 

 tion for softening the feet and stimulating the growth of 

 horn. 



The usual palliative means of rubber cushions and such 

 means, put between the hoof, to cure soreness and lame- 

 ness, are of no account, since they do not reach the cause 

 of difficulty. The nailing of the shoe must necessarily be 

 so tight as to press out all the elasticity there is, and, in 

 addition, the heels cut through such means so quickly that 

 they will not prove of any real value. 



RE-SETTING OF SHOES. 



Shoes should be re-set once in from four to six weeks. 

 For light, occasional use, not more than seven nails should 

 be driven — four on the outside and three on the inside — 

 well forward. The shoe should come well out under the 

 toe, so that there is no necessity for more than touching the 

 edge a little to reach the shoe, and by all means do not 

 allow that reckless rasping of the outside of the hoof so 

 general with shoers. If the shoe is short it should not be a 

 reason that the hoof must be cut down to it. Even rasping 

 under the clinches should not be permitted. A thin shell 

 can be easily ruined in this way; besides, this rasping of 

 the whole surface of the hoof not only removes the strong- 

 est and hardest part, but permits too rapid an evaporation, 

 which causes the horn to become hard and brittle. It is 

 much better, easier and cheaper to keep the feet healthy 

 than to cure them. It is wise in shoers to be patient and do 

 the work well, and owners should remember that extra care 

 and skill deserves extra compensation. It is hoped that the 

 few explanations given will aid in a better understanding of 

 this duty. 



If the horse shows sudden lameness in the foot, especially 

 after being shod, examine it carefully; strike the hoof 

 lightly with a small hammer ; put the hand first on one foot 

 and then on the other, that you may discover any increased 

 heat. If a nail has been driven too deep, remove the shoe. 

 If much inflammation, poultice — usually necessary for 



