STABLE MANAGEMENT 249 



Of late years a great boon to all horse-owners has been 

 obtained by the placing of frost-studs on the market, 

 which can be fitted into holes made in the heels of the 

 shoes to receive them, and are an absolute protection 

 against slipping in frosty weather. Their removal, too, 

 is just as easily effected when the animal returns to his 

 stable and they are no longer required, either operation 

 being the work of but a few seconds. Eiding or driving 

 in frosty weather, when the roads are one sheet of ice, 

 no longer inspires the terror that it used to occasion. 

 The studs known as " Dudleys " can be particularly 

 recommended, and are made of steel, triangular in shape, 

 terminating in a sharp edge, while the length and breadth, 

 apart from the neck, measure respectively /^ of an inch. 

 They are knocked in and removed by a few gentle taps 

 from a hammer. 



A shoe which was invented half a century ago by 

 Monsieur Charlier, and which is known by his name, 

 though of late years it is perhaps better known as the 

 " Eational," deserves to be more used than it is, for it 

 fulfils all the requirements of a shoe, is very light, and 

 improves the feet of horses by throwing the weight on 

 the natural cushion, the frog, thereby stimulating its 

 development. Almost all horses are benefited by it, the 

 few which it does not suit being those with such shallow feet 

 that there is not sufficient horn to stand the necessary groove 

 being cut. Smiths do not give it a whole-hearted reception, 

 however, as the shoes require very careful fitting, and there- 

 fore take much time and skill in putting them on ; and in 

 addition, as they are very narrow they have to be made out 

 of special steel bars, require nails made on purpose, and the 



