12 INTRODUCTION. 



acter of ground-surfaces and in the nature of horses' work that 

 shoeing which is not performed with great ability and care in- 

 duces disease and makes horses lame. 



In view of these facts, a thorough training of the young horse- 

 shoer in the principles and practice of his trade is not only 

 greatly to be desired, but is really essential to success ; unreason- 

 ing work does as much harm in this as in any other vocation. 

 A good common-sehool education is necessary (more will do no 

 harm). Further requisites are a healthy body, not too tall, liking 

 for the work, aptness, an active, reasoning mind, fearlessness, dex- 

 terity, a good eye for proportion, and, finally, careful selection of 

 a master-instructor. Theoretically educated, practically expe- 

 rienced and approved masters, in whose shops all kinds of 

 horses are shod, are to be preferred. 



During his term of apprenticeship the young apprentice 

 should learn to make drawings of horseshoes, of tools of the trade, 

 and of hoofs of various forms, and should also make one or 

 more model shoes as an indication of his ability. After completing 

 his time he should seek a position in a first-class shop, either at 

 home or abroad. A visit to foreign lands will widen one's 

 mental horizon and make him a broader, abler man in every 

 respect. Later, opportunity will be given to some (in Germany) 

 to join the cavalry, and thus acquire a good education in shoe- 

 ing under the patronage of the government. Finally, a course 

 of instruction in a school of horseshoeing will convert an already 

 practical and intelligent horseshoer into a thoughtful, capable, 

 expert workman. 



The scope of horseshoeing is by no means so narrow and in- 

 significant as it may appear, and since a knowledge of the anat- 

 omy and physiology of the horse's body in general, and of the 



