INTRODUCTION. 



HoRSKSHOEiNG is an industry which requires, in equal degree, 

 knowledge and skill. 



The word " horseshoeing" embraces various acts, especially 

 preparing the iron sole, the horseshoe ; forming it and fitting it 

 to the hoof, whose ground-surface has been previously dressed 

 in accordance with the direction of the limb, and fastening it to 

 the hoof by means of nails. 



Owing to the complicated structure of the hoof, success in the 

 practice of horseshoeing requires a knowledge of the anatomy 

 and physiology of the horse's body in general and of the foot in 

 particular. 



The object of shoeing is, — 



1. To protect the hoof from excessive wear, and thus render 

 the horse continuously serviceable upon our hard roads. 



2. To prevent slipping and falling during the winter season. 



3. To so far remove the disadvantages of faulty positions of 

 the limbs that horses may render good service, and, in some 

 cases, 



4. To cure or improve diseased or defective hoofs or feet. 



Horseshoeing, though apparently simple, involves many diffi- 

 culties, owing to the fact that the hoof is not an unchanging body, 

 but varies much with respect to form, growth, quality, and elas- 

 ticity. Furthermore, there are such great differences in the char- 



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