NAIL HOLES. 733 



such an extent is this observed, in some instances, that I have 

 frequently seen the heels of sound strong feet out down, simply 

 to suit these shoes, the habitual use of which is rarely necessary. 

 The still more injurious practice of employing shoes thinner at 

 the heels than at the toes, with the view of obtaining increased 

 frog-pressure, has become obsolete; for it was found to cause an 

 injurious amount of strain to be thrown on the suspensory liga- 

 ments and back tendons. 



For ordinary saddle horses, shoes weighing from eight to ten 

 ounces each, will be heavy enough. 



In the foregoing remarks, I have confined myself to the con- 



Fig. 193. — Sidebones particularly well developed at the quarters. 



sidei'a-tion of the ordinary shoe with certain modifications; as it 

 is the. most suitable one for general requirements. The Oharlier 

 shoe is only of historic interest; for all its advantages may be 

 obtained with tips, which are free from its many drawbacks. 



A bar shoe for a fore foot — ^to be used when the horse is at 

 work — should be made heart shaped (Fig. 52, p. 177); so that 

 it may not get caught by the hind shoe. 



Nail Holes. 



Thin shoes, especially if they be of soft iron, should be fullered ; 

 for if this be not done, and the nail be driven flush with the 



