HORSESHOEING. 77 



As an outward, visible indication of the mobility of the quar- 

 ters upon the shoe we may point to the conspicuous, brightly 

 pohshed, and often sunken spots, or grooves, upon the ends of 

 the branches. They are produced partly by an in-and-out 

 motion of the walls at the quarters, and partly by a forward and 

 backward gUding of the quarters upon the shoe. 



The benefits of these physiological movements within the hoof are 

 manifold : 



1. Through them shock is dispersed and the body protected 

 from the evil consequences of concussion or shock. 



2. These movements increase the elasticity of the entire limb, 

 and in this way contribute much to a light and elegant gait. 



3. They maintain a lively circulation of blood in the vessels 

 of the pododerm, and this insures a rapid growth of horn. 



Since it is a generally accepted fact that shoeing interferes 

 with the physiological movements of the hoof, alters them, in- 

 deed, almost suppresses them, and that all these movements are 

 spontaneous and natural only in sound unshod hoofs, we are jus- 

 tified in regarding shoeing as a necessary evil. However, it is in- 

 dispensable if we wish to render horses serviceable upon hard 

 artificial roads. If, in shoeing, consideration be given to the 

 structure and functions of the hoof, and particularly to the foot- 

 surface of the shoe, the ends of the branches being provided 

 with a smooth, level bearing-surface, which allows free play to 

 the elastic horn capsule, in so far as this is not hindered by the 

 nails we need have no fear of subsequent disease of the hoofs, 

 provided the horse is used with reason and receives proper care. 



