The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-04-11


In order to be got into condition for
shooting, the first object of attention is
to bring the foot to perfectly level
bearing. If this is properly managed,
the secret Of success in farriery is solved,
affirms Russell in his Scientific Horse
Shoeing," from which the annexed cut
is re-engraved. In this cut is shown
what Professor Russell claims to be a
perfect hoof, properly prepared for the
shoe. This may be taken as q standard
Of perfection, from which the goodness
of feet in general may be judged. An
examination of the natural feet of many
horses will show that their essential
shape is the same, but, generally speak
ing, perfect foot will not be found in an
animal that has been shod. Some of
the unshod feet may have grown more
luxuriantly than others, whereby the
crusts will be deeper and the bottom
part may be broken, SO as to give the
foot an uneven appearance, but when
this superAuous horn has been removed
it will be found that the bottom of the
foot will be like the one here illustrated,
nearly circular, the sole concave, the
bars distinct, the frog open and the heel
expanded.
In undertaking to get horses foot
into condition it is important to bring it
to it's best form-that is, as near to nat.
ure as is practical.
1t is on this ground that Professor Rus
sell recommends to every farmer the use
Of small hand compasses five or six
inches in the branch for nursing the foot
and bringing it to its proportionate level.
1t is his practice to first ascertain the
length of the heels opposite the lines D,
ID, by measuring with compasses from
coronet to ground surface, then the quar-
tiers above the lines G, G, and likewise
the sides of the toe opposite the lines D,
ID. In the same manner, on the bottom,
the foot is to be measured at the lines G,
G, where its diameter is the greatest
from the middle of the frog to the out
side rim of the hoof. By thus ascertain
ing the gradations Of the foot and duly
proportioning it before shoeing to that
degree Of safety possible, there is no
doubt, in Professor Russell's opinion, that
the strength and general condition of
the foot will be brought to the highest
state it is capable of attaining. On the
foot prepared for the shoe (see CUT the
lower part is to be reduced when too
full; that is, the superhuous horn is to
be cut away, more particularly at
IA nd hu Of
broad even surface made for the shoe
to bear upon. The loose, scaly parts of
the sole are to be removed, so as to pre-
serve its concavity, and, if any ragged
parts are observed in the frog, these are to
be carefully removed with knife. The
junction of the bar and crust is a natural
bearing for the heel Of the shoe and is to
be rasped fiat and even, and so low as to
be on level with the frog. Indeed, the
whole bottom of the crust is to be made
equally on plain surface, at the same
time, with the rasp, that the shoe may
bear equally on every part Of it, Next
ascertain if the foot be level; that is, if
the distances of coronet and heel from
the sole be the game on both quarters.
Ifboth quarters and heels measure alike,
respectively, the foot Is on its level, and
is properly pared for the reception Of
the shoe.
In the cut, B, B, is line through Gen.
ter from toe to heel; G, G, line through
center Of quarters; D, D, D, D, intersect-
ing lines marking the width Of heel and
sides of toe; E, E, frog; F, F, bars; G, q,
grooves; A, cleft of frog; l, I, sole;
J, ], J, J, wall bearing surface; II, Il,
H, Fl, height of heel from ground sur
face to coronet.
Tho NoyoaIl TInivorcitu Agricultural