226 HOW TO SHOE A HORSE. 



feet foot is circular, or very nearly so. It is this opinion 

 that leads the generality of smiths to direct their energies 

 towards reducing the foot to that shape as soon as possible ; 

 indeed, so impatient are some persons to commence this 

 work of setting nature right, that they cause their colts' 

 feet to be ^^ put in order^^'' — as the mischievous interference 

 is called, — ^long before the process of " breaking" has ren- 

 dered the evil of shoeing necessary. There are very few 

 things so little varied in nature as the form of the ground 

 surface of horses' feet ; for whether the hoof be high 

 heeled and upright, — or low-heeled and flat, — large or 

 small, — broad or narrow, — the identical form of ground sur- 

 face is maintained in each, so long as it is entirely left to 

 nature's guidance. The outer quarter, back to the heel, 

 js curved considerably and abruptly outwards, while the 

 inner quarter is carried back in a gradual and easy curve. 

 The advantage of this form is so obvious, that it is matter 

 for wonder it should ever be interfered with. The en- 

 larged outer quarter extends the base and increases the 

 hold of the foot upon the ground ; while the straighter 

 inner quarter lessens the risk of striking the foot against 

 the opposite leg. 



The inclination of the front of the horny crust of the 

 foot should be at an angle of about 45 degrees. If the 

 foot is much steeper than this it is very liable to contract, 

 while, if it is much more slanting, it constitutes what is 

 called the '* oyster shell" foot, in which there is an undue 

 flatness of the sole, and a tendency to pumiced feet. 



Bearing in mind, now, the nature of the various parts oi 

 tlie foot of the horse, we will consider the manner in 

 which the practical operations of shoeing should be con- 

 ducted, and the reasons for adopting some improvementa 

 en the general custom of our smiths. 



Before removing the old shoe, care should be taken to 



