WEAK HEELS. 



163 



(No. 34.) 

 A shoe for interfering. 



with the web narrow, and the nail-holes well forward in 

 the toe ; at all events, there must be no nails driven into 

 that part of the hoof that 

 strikes, as the clinches will 

 be likely to cut. If the 

 toe cork is set well round, 

 on the inside of the toe, 

 and the foot is so pared, 

 or the shoe is so formed 

 that the bearing of the in- 

 side of the foot is raised somewhat, there will be a tendency 

 in the ankle to be thrown out when borne upon. But the 

 great object is to have the shoe fitted and filed smoothly, 

 and set well under the part hitting, so that after the hoof 

 is rasped off all it is prudent to do, and rounded down 

 carefully, the shoe sets far enough under not to endanger 

 its cutting, yet supports 

 the hoof, and gives a nat- 

 ural bearing to the foot. 

 The chief danger will be 

 that some portion of this 

 part of the shoe will be 

 made to extend beyond 

 the hoof, and the shoe be 

 fitted and put on so rough- 

 ly that it can scarcely be 

 said to be fitted any 

 smoother or better than 

 is usually done, without regard to such a purpose. It is 

 always best to keep the bearing natural by trimming the 

 foot level, and making the shoe of an even thickness, but 

 set it under and file smoothly. If this will not do, raise 

 the inside a little. Driving young horses to sulky will 

 often cause interfering ; getting a horse in good condition 

 will often overcome the difficulty. If the ankles are cut 

 or sore, they should be protected with pads until well. If 

 the owner values the animal highly, he should give such 

 shoeing his personal attention. 



WEAK HEELS. 



Cutting down too close, and fitting the shoes roughly, so 

 that the horn wears and breaks down the heels, will cause 



(No. 35.) 

 Interfering pad. 



(No. 36.) 



A leather boot to 

 protect the ankle. 



