342 



SHOEING. 



1II1S 



p 



if 



that when exceptional power is necessary, as for draught horses, 

 or to prevent slipping, calkins must be used. As a rule, nothing 



more is wanting, unless necessary 

 for' extra wear, than just iron 

 enough to protect the outer crust 

 of the foot, and prevent its break- 

 ing. More iron than this becomes 

 extra weight, and causes fatigue in 

 carrying, like thick, heavy-soled 

 shoes or clogs. 



It is a question among English 

 authorities whether a shoe should 

 be " rounded at the toe " (a prac- 

 tice known as the French system) 

 to aid mobility. 



A moderate rounding at the 

 toe would seem desirable in all 

 cases where there is want of mo- 

 bility. It is especially desirable 

 when the horse is a little stiff or 

 sore, as it enables him to travel 

 much easier. 'This is proved when 

 tjhe mobility of the foot is destroyed,' and there is necessity for 

 using a rounded shoe to conform with the action. Illustrations of a 

 large variety of shoes of different forms are given, which can be 

 studied. 



Prof. Will- 

 iams, of Edin- 

 borough Veter- 

 inary College, 

 advises that the 

 c a Ik in s and 

 toe-pieces 

 should be done 

 away with for 

 all kinds of 

 horses except 

 those used for 



heavy draught in towns where the streets are paved and steep. 

 It is urged that all horses required to go beyond a walking pace are 

 injured by shoes with turned-up heels and toes. Farm horses and 



Fig. 457.— Shoe Properly Adjusted. 



Fig. 458.— Thin Shoe lor 

 Light Work. 



Fie. 459.— Faulty, Bad Form 

 of Shoe. 



