HUNTING. 87 



It frequently occurs in the hunting-field 

 that a horse loses a shoe in going through 

 heavy ground, or in jumping a fence where he 

 brings his hind feet too close upon the front 

 ones, and, catching the toe of the hind shoe 

 in the heel of the front, drags the latter 

 forcibly oJBf, and leaves it either on the ground 

 behind him or carries it for a field or two 

 hanging by one or two nails to his hoof, before 

 it finally drops off. 



The moment you are made aware that your 

 horse has cast a shoe, which will generally 

 be by somebody informing you of the fact, 

 ascertain at once which of the animal's feet 

 has been left unprotected. If the lost shoe 

 happens to be a hinder one, the matter is less 

 serious, but if a front one should be cast, do 

 not lose any time in inquiring your road to 

 the nearest smithy, and, whilst wending your 

 way thither, be careful to keep as much as 

 possible upon the grass by the roadside, that 

 the shoeless foot may not become worn, nor 

 suffer from concussion by coming in contact 

 with the hard road. 



It is a good plan to send your horse early 



