DISEASES OF THE FOOT AND SHOEING 199 



there given- sets forth the principles upon which shoeing is 

 based. 



Shoeing must be considered a necessary evil, because it gives 

 an artificial base of support and interferes more or less with the 

 physiologic movements of the foot. When properly applied, iron 

 or steel shoes afford protection and render the horse more service- 

 able for road work. The objects of shoeing are: (1) To protect 

 the hoof from excessive wear. (2) To prevent slipping and falling 

 during winter. (3) To correct faulty positions of limbs that horses 

 may render good service and increase their speed. (4) To cure or 

 improve diseased or defective hoofs and feet. 



In shoeing it is best to follow a definite plan of procedure. This 

 includes — (1) An examination of the horse at rest, and then in 

 motion, to detect irregularities in the foot's axis, quality of horn, 

 cracks, rings, length and wear of the old shoes, pecuharities in the 

 gait, and the presence of lameness. (2) Removal of the old shoe by 

 carefully lifting the clinches to prevent injury to the horn. (3) 

 Preparation of the hoof for the shoe. (4) Selection and fitting of 

 suitable shoes. 



Horn grows constantly, so the hoof must needs be reduced in 

 size or prepared for the shoe at each shoeing. The experienced 

 shoer relies upon the judgment of his eye to determine the correct 

 relationship between the length of toe and the height of the heel. 

 At this time he places the horse on a perfectly level floor to see that 

 the paring and rasping have left the foot "in balance," or level, and 

 the bearing surface suitable for attachment of the shoe. All the 

 wall, the white line, and | inch of the sole must come in contact 

 with the shoe, so that each part shall bear its proportionate share 

 of the weight. The frog and bars are not trimmed except in rare 

 cases. 



When the toe is left too long the heels do not perform their 

 share in supporting the weight and bend toward and press unduly 

 upon the frog. If more horn is removed from one side than the 

 other, the foot is thrown out of balance and more strain and con- 

 cussion placed on the side having the highest wall. This results 

 in damage to the sensitive structures on that side from overwork, 

 while those on the opposite side atrophy from lack of use. 



Young horses, and those kept under conditions whereby the feet 

 are moistened at regular intervals, must be shod oftener than other 

 animals because the horn of their feet grows faster. A four-year 



