636 



SHOEING. 



and adjustment of shoes, are particular to have them big and 

 easy, yet support the foot perfectly in all its parts without altering 

 its natural adjustment. The shoe must exert no undue pressure 

 upon any part, nor be so stiff as to interfere in the least with the 



natural mobility of the 

 foot. Even a chance knot 

 or seam in the stocking- 

 would be fatal to these 

 conditions ; because when 

 under great strain it would 

 cause chafing which, if not 

 arrested, would set up so 

 much inflammation as to 

 soon induce entire disabil- 

 ity. 



Now in shoeing horses, 

 we see that the hoof is a 

 shoe of another kind, which 

 is the exact counterpart of 

 the internal parts, and is 

 perfectly adapted for the 

 protection and support of 

 this internal structure. If 

 its mobility is impaired, or 

 any part of the foot is sub- 

 jected to excessive press- 

 ure or injury sufficient to 

 cause inflammation, the same effect must follow of producing 

 inflammation and alteration of structure, not only of the foot, but 

 of the entire limb, which would soon ruin a good horse. 



In the state of nature ; the bones of the foot are so nicely 

 adjusted and balanced by the ligaments and tendons of the limb, 

 that there is no unequal strain brought upon any joint, but each 

 assists in supporting the others. But if the heels are raised too 

 high, there will be correspondingly increased strain brought upon 

 the ligaments supporting the back or front part. In like manner, 

 raising or lowering the inner or outer quarter, would produce a 

 lateral strain upon the joints and ligaments which must ultimately 

 cause serious injury, and cause the foot to grow out of line. 



FIG. 437. View of foot from which the hoof 



and skin have been removed, showing 



circulation through the arteries 



and veins. 



