NOTES 0^^ SHOEING OP HOESES. 



CHAPTER I. 



OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE FOOT.* 



1. The object of shoeing is to preserve the ^^^^j^^^J'^f 

 horse's foot from undue wear. shoeing. 



Without artificial protection, hard work on our 

 hard roads would wear away the horn quicker than 

 nature supplies it, and injury to the foot would be 

 the result. 



The art of good shoeing is to afford the neces- 

 sary protection with the least possible damage to the 

 structure, or interference with the functions of the 

 foot. 



To keep the foot sound and healthy when shod, 

 we must aim at preserving it as nearly as possible 

 in a natural state. 



* The plates, intended to illustrate the description of the 

 structure of the foot, will be found at the end. 



1 



