124 HORSESHOEING. 



Too early shoeing of young horses is very injurious ; it hinders 

 the development of the hoofs, and, furthermore, young horses 

 when shod are frequently seriously overworked and prematurely 

 ruined. Moderate work in the fields does not injure young 

 horses, but for such service they do not require shoes. 



The unshod hoofs of older horses should be periodically 

 rounded with a rasp and the length of the walls regulated when, 

 by reason of a lack of exercise, proper wear has not taken place. 



B. Oare of Shod Hoofs. 



Shod hoofs are exposed to many more injuries than are un- 

 shod hoofs, because shoeing itself, although absolutely necessary 

 to render horses continuously serviceable upon hard streets, is 

 injurious to the hoof, since it to a greater or less extent prevents 

 the physiological movements of the different parts of the foot, 

 interferes with the circulation of the blood in the foot, slows the 

 growth of the horn, and brings about a gradual shrinking of the 

 entire hoof. 



In addition, there are the injurious consequences of stabula- 

 tion. These are prevention of free movement, uncleanliness due 

 to bad floors and filthy bedding, — as, for example, peat moss and 

 soiled straw, — and dryness. 



Continual standing always contributes to contraction of the 

 hoofs, and this evil is greatly favored by dryness, which more 

 particularly affects the front hoofs. The hind hoofs receive suf- 

 ficient moisture from the animal's manure. Poor floors, partic- 

 ularly those that are uneven, tire the limbs. Accumulation of 

 manure and the use of stationary sole-pads induce thrush of the 

 frog. 



The object of hoof nurture is to lessen or entirely remove all 

 these injurious consequences of shoeing and stabulation. It 

 comprises, therefore, not only the proper shortening of the hoofs 

 every four to six weeks, but careful attention to cleanliness and 

 moisture. Both are insured by dry straw and daily picking out 

 and washing the hoofs. Such measures will prevent thrush in the 



