WEAK HEELS. 



139 



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 inside 

 of the foot is raised somewhat, there will be a tending 

 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 care- 

 fully, the shoe sets far enough under not to endanger its 

 cutting, yet supports the hoof, and gives a natural 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 roughly that it can 



scarcely be said to be fitted 



any smoother or better than 



is usually done, without re- 

 gard 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. 



(No. 24.) 

 Interfering Pad. 



(No. 25.) 



A Leather Boot to 

 protect the Ankle. 



WEAK HEELS. 



Cutting down too close and fitting the shoes roughly, so 

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

 them to be low and sensitive. Such feet should be simply 

 leveled down with the rasp carefully, and the shoe fitted to 

 touch every part of the bearing surface at the heels. 



