Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1883-08-04
Scientific HOrse-ShOeing.


During the last year there has been
considerable discussion, in various agri-
cultural papers, on horse-shoeing. Like
all other subjects, various opinions have
been expressed and definite directions
given upon it, not only as to the neces-
sity and utility of shooting at all, but as
to the manner of doing it. The pairing,
cutting, trimming and treatment of the
hoof in general, have been dwelt upon;
its construction and the formation OF
its different parts explained, so that it
would seem that every owner OF
horse and every person who had ever
shod one had thorough knowledge OF
the whole matter, and the operation
could always be performed to perfec-
ton. The fact is, however, that while
there are many blacksmiths throughout
the country who partially understand
the structure and formation of the hoof,
and are careful to do their work in the
best possible manner, and to some eX
tent make shoeing a speciality, there are
few who devote their attention to the
business so much as to make it an OBJ
iect of study and to become perfectly
familiar with all its details. On the
other hand, by far the greater part OF
those who practice shooting know little
and care less whether their work Is done
in the best. or even in a proper, manner,
if it is so done as TO satisfy their Gus
toners, who know as little as them
selves how the work should be done.
Between the ignorance of the two, the
horse, if not entirely ruined, is so far
injured as to materially impair his use
! fitness, and render him liable to all
ments and diseases which might have
been avoided by II more judiclous or
| different treatment.
The remedy for all this lies with the
owner himself. Let him carefully study
ard understand, so far as general prin-
cfples will lead him, and, being inter-
ested, he will be better qualified to di-
rect the smith how to do his work than
the smith can be, who has no acquain-
lance with the animal, his manner of
travelling, or in many cases the work to
which he is called. Let the owner or
driver note carefully the condition of his
animals foot; have the shoe well fitted
and in such shape as to preserve, in
most cases, the form of the hoof which
nature has given. In very few cases
nature has caused mal-formation, and
in such case have the shoe made and set
| to fit the foot. Valuable horses are
often spoiled or much injured by the
neglect of the owner to observe these
precautions. Also see that the shape of
the shoe is neither too wide nor too mar
row, which latter is the greater fault, as
it contracts the hoof to an unnatural
shape, and causes the horse to move
with an awkward and unsteady gait.
| The shoe should not be so short rs to
fail to cover the foot, or so long as to
extend beyond the hoof; and it should
be set squarely upon the foot; that is,
! the toe calk should be exactly in the
center of the shoe and point directly for
ward. Especially is this important with
young animal, whose hqpf is growing
fast and will easily accommodate itself
to the shape of the shoe and the manner
in which it is set. If the shoe remains
any length of time after setting with a
twist, there will be twist in the foot.
Care should also be taken that the
shoes be all set alike, and not as in
many cases, one shoe twisted to the
right and the other to the left This
condition saw only short time since.
No animal shod in that way can travel
with ease. 1t is important that horses
not used in hard work should not be
shod too optcn, as the hoof will be too
much cut with the nails and will not be
so tough to hold them, and be harder and
more brittle. Neit)er should they 90
too long without shoein,g, for they are
apt to stumble and strain the ankles
when the hoof is much grown, and
cause wild gals and often permanent
lmcncs~. Alter considerable expert
ence ana Wucn observation ! have found
Il at in mis-. MS in other things, if wa
" uli nave it well done. ourselves must
! otrcc, how it shall be done. Who does
tqiS may do sway with pads to keep his
I hotsc rom int 'fcring, will seldom be
! trrullnd1 ~ uvcr-ieap iag, and not often
|''vn he nrsrs feet sore; no calk.ng,
4, ~ Guns. sir,iils G" the numerous other
lilia'ras~''. Nv a. si,',i'g--C. y. War.
acr. in Cc'atya Gcnii,7p0;.