SHOEING. 



651 



When a chip of horn cut from the foot falls to the floor, the 

 moisture being absorbed from the upper surface quickest by its 



FIG. 460. Good model of a concave road-shoe, adapted 

 for summer or winter. 



greater exposure to the air, causes it to curl upward, the same as 

 a thin board or shingle will warp when exposed to the heat of the 

 sun. Now, when the sole is trimmed out, as explained, the expos- 

 ure of its denuded surface to 

 the dry air causes it to lose its 

 moisture rapidly, contract 

 and bend upward against the 

 soft parts, making the sole 

 more hollow. But paring 

 out the sole so excessively that 

 it will yield to slight pressure, 

 will allow the horse to travel 

 better for the present, and it 

 is quite natural for one to 

 believe it so great a benefit, 

 that at each time of shoeing 

 it is repeated, regardless of 

 the fact that the feet will be 



brought Ultimately into a COn- FIG. 467. Bearing surface of the same 



