OF USING HORSES WITHOUT SHOES. 
693 
thus contract, the bars are so thrown out of their original form as 
to exchange their naturally oblique into a perpendicular position, 
preventing the regular action of the flexor tendon over the navicu- 
lar bone ; which latter, instead of serving as a pulley, becomes, as 
the result of the restraint under which it has laid, an unyielding 
portion of the parts between which it ought, in its healthy state, to 
have uninterrupted play. 
As a farther proof that lameness arises from the pressure of the 
bars, and not from the natural pressure of the sole (as Mr. Goodwin 
thinks, p. 98 of his work), I might avail myself of the demonstra- 
tive evidence supplied by an operation of former times now ex- 
ploded, which, nevertheless, I think had its merits. I allude to 
the drawing the sole instead of thinning it. Once the operation 
performed, the pain consequent upon which must be exquisite, 
but yet almost momentary only, the animal would put down his 
heel close to the ground, and appear immediately to regain his firm 
footing. This was the last operation I saw the late Mr. Field, 
sen., perform, a man of the highest standing, and to whose opinion 
T, for one, must ever pay great deference. Mr. Field’s view of the 
subject may have been correct in one point, reasoning as he did in 
relation to a foot long subjected to the process of shoeing. The sys- 
tem necessarily preventing the natural expansion of the foot, must 
be attended with an undue increase of the part in thickness. The 
question between Mr. Field and me would be as to the point on 
which the pressure is first felt. He would have argued that the 
sole was first assailed. I think his operation would go to prove 
that the bar is that part, since, as soon as it is set free, it resumes 
its functions. 
I have alluded to the interest his Excellency General Napier 
was pleased to express in connexion with the cure I effected in one 
of the abovementioned horses, that of Mr. Tardif. I have met 
with uniform kindness at the hands of the General. His generous 
treatment I cannot forget, affording me, as it has done, much encou- 
ragement and alleviation under circumstances, the result of con- 
duct on the part of others the very reverse of that which 1 had 
been led to expect. Only those who are aware of the facts can 
enter into my feelings, when I state that, to my heart’s joy, I 
succeeded in the cure of his Excellency’s own favourite horse, 
“Farmer,” by the above described process. The horse, I am happy 
to say, is now in constant use, and gives satisfaction to his honoured 
owner*. 
Guernsey, Nov. 13, 1845. 
* Will Mr. Mogford kindly favour us with the particulars of a case in 
which he has taken so much interest — one that cannot fail to throw addi- 
tional light on the important subject he has broached ? — Editors. 
VOL- XVIII. 5 B 
