CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 369 



grow from the coronet to the ground is in approximate 

 proportion to the distance of the coronet to the ground. 

 On the average, the hoof grows one-third of an inch a 

 month, although hind hoofs grow faster than fore hoofs, 

 and unshod ones faster than shod ones. The toe, there- 

 fore, grows down in nine to twelve months, depending 

 on its length, the quarters in six to eight months and the 

 heel in three to four months. 



The hoof often grows out irregular, sometimes show- 

 ing rings of growth. This is frequently noticed on horses 

 that are confined to soft lots and foul stables, where it is 

 due to the soft footing. • This irregular growth can be 

 avoided by leveling the hoof so the weight bears equally 

 on all parts, and by placing the horse in a paddock with 

 solid footing, thus providing the foot with the proper 

 condition to function normally. 



SHOEING THE HORSE 



The horse should be shod as frequently as is necessary 

 to meet the demands, which will vary according to the 

 condition under which he is worked. In some parts of 

 the country horses at moderate work are seldom shod; 

 in other parts only the fore feet are shod ; but the con- 

 ditions in most of our country are such that the horse can 

 perform his work more efficiently if kept properly shod. 



Why the horse should be shod. — While there are 

 a number of reasons for applying the shoes, the 

 more important are to prevent excessive wear on 

 the hoof, to prevent slipping on ice or mud, and to 

 modify the action. The hoof of the work horse wears off 

 faster than it grows out and soon becomes sore. To pre- 

 vent this the shoe is attached. For this purpose the 

 light shoe is preferred. It is difficult for the unshod 

 horse to travel on the ice and through the mud; his 

 efficiency is not only lessened, but he is liable to 

 fall and injure himself and his driver as well. To pre- 



