9io 



Shoeing of Horses. 



[march,-; 



shaped formation to be found at the back of the central part 

 of the coffin bone. It acts chiefly as a roller for the tendon 

 (Flexor perforans), which curves round the back of the bone 

 prior to its contact with the coffin bone. 



The Coronet, — The coronet, or, as it is sometimes called, 

 the short pastern, has a rounded base which oscillates to and 

 fro in the hollowed-out base of the coffin bone. The surface 

 of these two bones which come into contact in this manner 

 are covered with a layer of gristle (articular cartilage) about 

 one-eighth of an inch thick, and the whole articulation is 



5ENSltlVEL FROG 

 Fig. i. 



bathed in joint-oil (Synovia), which ensures ease and smooth- 

 ness in movement. 



The Lateral Cartilage. — This is a large springy piece of 

 gristle, extending from the top of the coffin bone along each 

 edge and curving round to the heel beyond. In fine-skinned 

 horses its outline can be clearly discerned running along the 

 sides of the coronet, and by pressing hard on its edge at the 

 back of the heel its " spring" may be easily demonstrated. 



Ligaments. — Ligaments extend from bone to bone, holding 

 them firmly in position, and, at the same time, allowing 

 entire ease of movement. 



Tendons. — Tendons extend from the muscles at the top of 

 the leg down the limb, both at the front and back, and are 

 firmly attached to the bones ; the Extensor pedis tendon runs 

 down the front of the leg and spreads out over the short 



