144 



SHOEING HORSES. 



evaporation of its moisture that it in consequence soon be- 

 comes dry and hard, all so far as permitted causing direct 

 injury to the foot. Simply level down the wall, and let the 

 frog and sole alone. (See special 

 reference to this in another part of 

 this chapter.) Do not lower the 

 bars any more than the level of the 

 heel. Round off the sharp edge of 

 the toe a little with a rasp, but not 

 enough to destroy in the least the 

 natural shape of the hoof. (See 

 cut, shoe fitted.) You, in fact, aim 

 to bring it back to its natural round- 

 ed form. The shoe should come 

 round evenly, flush with the outer 

 edge, but so much longer and 

 wider than the heels, as you think 

 the foot will grow in the time 



kept on, before resetting. If properly done, there can be 

 but little or no chance for pressure upon the sole at the 

 angles between the bar and heel. Pressure upon this part of 

 the sole must be avoided, there is danger of bruising the sole, 

 and breaking the blood-vessels beneath, and causing effu- 



(No. 12.) 



A view of the foot after the 

 hoof had been stuffed off. 



(No. 13.) 

 View of a healthy hoof. 



(No. 14.) 



View of the sole and frog of 

 hind-foot. 



sion, which is to be guarded against. The usual cause of 

 corns or bruising the sole here, is leaving shoes on so long 

 that the growth of the foot draws the shoe forward until the 



