CHAPTER IV. 



HOOF NURTURE. 



Hoop nurture comprises all those measures which are em- 

 ployed to keep hoofs healthy, elastic, and serviceable. 



A. Oare of Unshod Hoofs. 



The care of the hoofs of colts is of special importance. Abun- 

 dant exercise upon dry ground which is not too stony is most 

 beneficial. Such exercise will cause the hoofs to wear gradually, 

 and it will only be necessary from time to time to observe whether 

 the wear is taking place uniformly, and if not, to correct the un- 

 even wear with the rasp. 



If colts are reared in the stable, the horn continuing to grow 

 down does not undergo sufficient wear, and changes in form of 

 the hoof gradually occur. The wall becomes too long and bends 

 or sometimes separates from the sole and keraphyllous layer. 

 Weak quarters bend (curl) inward and encroach upon the space 

 occupied by the frog (contracted feet of colts). The toe becomes 

 too long, and this gives rise to too steep a position of the pastern 

 and causes an insecure and diffident gait; therefore the hoofs 

 must be shortened from time to time. The incurved quarters 

 should be removed with the hoof-knife, and the outer edge of 

 the plantar border of the wall well rounded with the rasp. In 

 a hoof that is becoming awry, restoring to the wall its proper 

 level with relation to the position of the limb will not only be 

 invaluable in ultimately producing a good hoof, but will improve 

 the faulty position of the limb. Furthermore, we should attempt 

 to secure greater cleanliness by frequently and thoroughly wash- 

 ing the hoofs and bedding with plenty of good straw. 



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