SHOEING. 



663 



FIG. 484. Points showing where the 



horn is strongest for the driving 



of the nails. 



considered, the best way is to nail back to the turn of the wall 



securely. Or the nailing may be extended a little farther back 



on the outside, and shortened a 



little on the inner side, in any 



case giving both quarters all the 



freedom compatible with security, 



in retaining a firm hold of the 



shoe. As the foot grows, the shoe 



will be brought forward so evenly 



under it as not to do harm. 



For ordinary light shoes, I am 



in the habit of using from six to 



seven nails, evenly distributed 



around the front part (something 



like Figs. 457, 459); sometimes 



extending the outer nail a little 



beyond or nearer the quarter than 



the inner one. But if the shoes 



are heavy, and the work hard, as 



for draught horses, heavier nails, and from seven to eight in num- 

 ber, will in most cases be required. A small, thin clip turned up 



at the toe, and one at 

 the outer quarter, 

 will help greatly in 

 holding the shoe firm- 

 ly in position ; but 

 they should be turned 

 up thin, and set well 

 out on the edge of the 

 shoe. 



But very little of 

 the wall should be cut 

 away, so as not to 

 weaken or injure it ; 

 but sufficient to en- 

 able bringing the shoe 

 to its position. The 



shoes should not be hammered down tight to the wall, but simply 



sufficient to rest easily against it. Next, if the foot is broken, or 



FIG. 485. The same as it would appear 

 with the shoe on. 



