FOOT OF THE HORSE. 
459 
off’, to prevent the possibility of the iron interfering with the oppo¬ 
site leg, and, of course, to avail himself of a further advantage 
by rasping away as much as possible the inner wall of the hoof, 
without rendering the horse tender in his work, by approaching 
too near the quick. It was also arranged for this plan to be fol¬ 
lowed up at the termination of every three weeks, whether the 
shoes were worn out or not, and which was strictly attended to. 
“ At the expiration of three or four months, this method of shoe¬ 
ing proved not only a perfect remedy for the cutting, but it also 
effected a most important change in the shape of the hoofs, which 
altered from contracted to open expanded feet , during the per¬ 
formance of very hard work. That this plan should have proved 
a remedy for the cutting, was no more than I expected, because 
it had succeeded in instances out of number; and I acknowledge 
the practice is nearly as old as the hills : but if in this said old 
method of shoeing, somewhat modified, there is to be found the 
necessary defence for the foot without the natural expansion of 
the hoof being impeded or restrained by the ring of iron nailed 
thereon, or, in other words, which will admit of all the functions 
of the foot being duly performed, I will venture to pronounce it 
the horseman’s grand desideratum.” 
Although the discovery was thus accidental, it does not the 
less belong to Mr. Turner ; and once having been made, we, and 
he too, wonder that it had not been hit upon ages ago. We need 
only look upon it to be convinced that it is the only unfettered 
shoe. Our principal fear, before experience had come to our aid, 
was, that it could not be securely attached to the foot. 
There is an appearance of insecurity about it; but, if put on in 
the manner and with the clips that Mr. Turner recommends, the 
insecurity is only in appearance. It will, for hackney work, and 
for quick or not too heavy draught, fairly last out the common 
shoe. To this the reviewer can add his testimony, bis grateful 
testimony he was about to say: he tried the unfettered shoe by 
way of experiment, when Mr. Turner first spoke about it; and so 
satisfied is he with its good effect and its wear, that he rarely, 
except hollas express orders to the contrary, suffers any other shoe 
tube used in his forge, except for h6avy work. The shoes last 
fully as long, and he can mark the progress of improvement in 
almost every foot to which they have been applied. 
