CHAPTER XI. 



A Natural Foot vs. A Perfect Foot. 



A natural foot may not be perfect, and then there may be advan- 

 tages in artificial appliances. But in a large majority of animals the 

 feet are nearly right, if Nature has not been tampered with in the 

 effort to make them so. If permitted to exercise on the same kind 

 of ground which would be chosen in a natural range, it would be 

 rare, indeed, when there was much divergence from the true form. 

 By a natural range we mean that part of a country which would be 

 selected by horses which could follow what is called instinct, but 

 which is so nearly allied to reason that we never could see where the 

 difference was. With the herbage equal, there will be a general resort 

 to the highest ground, and if it is necessary to leave it to find water, 

 as soon as thirst is assuaged the band will return. Left to them- 

 selves, the firm ground is invariably chosen, and, though they may 

 be di'iven to seek refuge from files by standing immersed as much as 

 possible, there is a disinclination to wet their feet and legs. The 

 whole system of soaking the feet, stuffing with clay, cow-dung and 

 hoof-pads, is entirely contrary to nature, and the use of hoof oint- 

 ments of any description a departure which will end in injury. Even 

 the washing of the legs is carried to an extent which does damage, 

 and, as a rule, water should never be applied to the horn. It may 

 require more woi-k to cleanse the feet of the dirt which has been 

 gathered in a drive through the mud ; and to wash them and the 

 legs with water is a laboi'-saving conti'ivance for the groom, but is a 



