46 



SHOEIXG, 



SHOEING. 



With a poor hoof an otherwise 

 valuable horse becomes almost 

 worthless, so that the common 

 saying, "No foot, no horse," is 

 practically correct. For this rea- 

 son the subject of horse-shoeing is 

 one which should receive much 

 attention, as it is by poor shoeing 

 that so many horses are rendered 

 almost valueless for life. 



For want of space w^e can only 

 give some of the more important points which should be observed in order 

 to preserve the hoof in a natural and healthy condition. 



The hoof, in its natural state, is adapted only to a grassy surface ; so 

 that, when we wish fo bring the horse into practical use upon our hard and 

 stony roads, it becomes necessary to protect the hoof, by shoeing, from the 

 unnatural wear and tear which it is subjected to. 



It is greatly to be regretted that so large a share of the men who are 

 permitted to do this very important work of shoeing the horse, are so 

 ignorant of the nature and structure of the foot and the principal rules which 

 should guide them in doing this very important branch of work. 



It is a great fault of nearly all shoers that they cut and pare with the 

 idea of improving the foot, when their aim should be, mainly, to let nature 

 have her course as much as possible, or, in other words, to imitate the 

 natural condition of the foot, and only pare away such parts as have become 

 useless. The shoe should always be fitted to the foot, and not the foot to 

 the shoe, as is too often practiced! That part of the hoof which should not 

 have pressure is the portion between the bar and the quarter, commonly 

 known as the seat of corns. (For location, see engraving on 10th page.) 



The greatest pressure should be around the outside of the foot, for about 

 half an inch. 



The frog should be allowed to come to the ground, which will prevent, 

 to a certain extent, the concussion which would otherwise take place. The 

 frog should not he cut down, as is frequently practiced, nor should it be 

 touched, when healthy, except for the purpose of cleansing. 



