2/8 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



answer, and the proper hoof expansion under the 

 tread is thus better secured. 



Never let the nails take more than a " short hold " 

 of the horn; slant them well, that they may cross 

 the grain of the horn and ensure enough of it un- 

 der them to clinch nicely; these holes must grow 

 down — they cannot disappear otherwise — there- 

 fore nearness of the clinches to the ground surface 

 helps that result. Spread the nail holes well, that too 

 much strain may not come upon any one part. The 

 shoe should always be easy at the quarters and heels, 

 thus preventing quarter-crack throug'h improper 

 pressure at the quarters. If there is room to slip 

 a penknife blade freely between hoof and shoe at 

 these points, it will be all the better. Gentle and 

 repeated taps of the hammer are advisable rather 

 than the few violent blows that most smiths strike; 

 wrong direction is thus checked in time, and pos- 

 sible pricking avoided. Never allow " cold fitting " ; 

 few men can do it properly, and those few will not 

 take the trouble; on the other hand, never permit 



