The Foot — Its Care and Shoeing. 115 



lower edge rounded, no toe clip, and the shoe fitted so 

 that three-fourths of the thickness of the wall at the toe 

 will extend beyond the shoe; in some cases the use of 

 heavier shoes in front, say 14 ounces, in front, 6 to 8 

 ounces behind, is advisable; always drive the horse well 

 in hand, so that he goes up on the bit, the gait cannot be 

 collected unless the driver handles the reins properly. 

 If a front shoe is struck by a hind foot of the opposite 

 side that is known as cross- firing. 



Interfering may be applied to brushing and speedy cut- 

 ting, the former is the wounding of the fetlock by the 

 inner quarter of a shoe or foot of the opposite leg; speedy 

 cutting is the wounding of the leg near the knee or hock 

 by its fellow on the opposite side. Horses that turn 

 their toes out are liable to interfere; knock-kneed horses 

 will also speedy cut. It is a very dangerous vice in sad- 

 dlers, bad enough in drivers. This disease needs the 

 expert shoer who will have to study his patient, drive 

 behind him and probably shoe a few times before en- 

 tirely curing him. If unshod, horses rarely brush. The 

 wall of the outside quarter of the foot struck may be 

 lowered, and the striking edge of the shoe eased off with 

 a file. A shoe heavier on its outside web than on its 

 inside half will often relieve the condition. The use of 

 some form of boot is recommended, wounds made will 

 need general antiseptic treatment, Friar's balsam is very 

 useful. Young horses often grow out of this trouble, as 

 soon as wearied the colt should be unhitched. Thomas 

 Co whey, before the Master Shoers' Association, says: 

 "Interfering is due to lack of strength in the hind parts, 

 leg weariness and too heavy shoes. The remedy — use as 



