CARE OF HORSES' FEET.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3485, 30 October 1894, Page 11

CARE OF HORSES' FEET.

Scientific shoeing consists in 1. The reduction of the wall to its proper proportions, such as, would liave occurred through friction had no shoe been worn. 2. Fitting the shoe accurately to the outline of the foot, not altering the "latter to fit the shoe. Rasping away the crust to fit the shoe not only renders the horn brittle, but is so much loss of bearing surface. 3. Leaving the wall intact, so far as its varnish-like layer is concerned. The practice of rasping tlie wall for appearance sake destroys the horn tubes, and allows of so much evaporation from the surface of the foot that the wall becomes brittle. ' 4. The sole not to be touched by •the knife; it cannot.be too thick ; it is there for the purpose of protection. : 5. The bars not to be cut. away; they are,part of the wall and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on them..■ ; ' 6. The frog to" be uncut arid left to attain its full growth, -which can only occur through resting on the' ground. : No. frog can perform,its functions unless on a level with the ground surface of the shoe. 7.-The pattern of the shoe is immaterial so long as it has a true and level bearing, and rests well and firmly on the walls and bars. iThe simpler the shoes: the better—viz,, plain ( on both; guoand ahd foot ;sur- ! faces,v to be secured with: no more nails than necessary, as > the hails 1 destroy, the horn, and these are not to be driven higher than needful, for Higli nailing is'ruinous to feet..