Care and Management of Horses 89 
nail holes should not be too near the edge of the sole, for in such 
case it is necessary to drive the nails too far up into the wall to 
make them hold. On the other hand, the nail holes should be well 
back, the nails small in size, and when driven, should be brought 
out well down on the hoof. If driven high, when the shoes are 
reset, or the animal reshod, the former nail holes are near the edge 
and serve to weaken the hoofs and interfere with driving the new 
nails. After driving the nails, they are to be clinched in a small 
groove fitted for that purpose. Smooth with rasp, but never rasp 
the outside of the hoof as it will remove the natural protective 
covering. This natural covering should not be removed, as the 
hoof will absorb water in the wet season and dry out much more 
rapidly in the dry season. 
156. Treating sick horses. — Horses that are ailing should re- 
ceive much care. In many cases good care is to be preferred to 
the use of medicine. In other cases rest is to be preferred to both. 
The aim is to hasten recovery from the ill effects of the ailment, 
and to be most successful one must understand the horse thoroughly 
and be able to supply his every need. He must be careful, pains- 
taking, and patient. The first thing to be done is to look for the 
cause of the trouble, and if possible, to remove it. If the disease 
is contagious, the ailing animal should be put away from other 
animals equally susceptible to the disease. Whether the disease 
is contagious or not, the quarters should be comfortable. Note 
carefully the surroundings of the animal, the work it has been 
doing, the exercise, general care, food, water, and the source of 
infection if the disease is contagious. 
157. Feeding sick horses. — The food should receive much at- 
tention. When the horse can eat, a small quantity of easily 
digestible and nutritious food should be given. The food should 
not contain much bulk and should be rather laxative, as sickness 
often brings constipation. It should be as attractive as possible, 
as the appetite is usually poor and sometimes lacking. When it 
can be prevented, medicine should not be put in the food or water, 
