The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-01-28
HORSE sHOERs aUIZzED
AS to Their Learning and Tried as
10 Their Expertness

The first examination of horse shoers
/ held in the Twin Cities took place yes
| terday in the shop of p. n. Lindquist
secretary of the state board of horse
shoers examiners. The examination
was held under the provisions of the
law passed by the last legislature, pro-
! viding for the registration of all horse
shoers, in the three largest counties
in the state.
All members OF the board were pres
ent with the exception of J. McNichol,
of Duluth The board will hold a sim
liar examination at Minneapolis Feb
19, and in Duluth on Feb. IS Much
good is expected to result from the le-
gal registration of horse shoers, pro-
tecting both the fraternity and the pub
lie alike.
Notice was sent out by the board to
twenty-odd horse shoers, who had not
come under the provisions of the law
by neSlecting to register within the
required six months. About six re-
/ spOnded. The candidates were put
through q thorough examination, the
questions being of character which
would test the knowledge of the aDpli-
cant as to the horse shoeing business.
The questions are both theoretical and
practical.
P. N. Lfndquist put the men through
an oral exercise, questioning them upon
the various stages of shoeing horses
The candidates We're asked how to cure
defects arising from interference and
stumbling. and upon the proper man
rer of setting shoes. and the process in
the various stages of operation.
DR.. POmerOy. veterinarian of the
board. submitted a list of questions
upon the anatomy of the horses foot
The questions We're free from technical
terms, such that any one accustomed
to the handling of horses would be able
to answer. The candidates were ques-
toned as to the different joints and
bOres, and their several functions.
A practical test Of the skill of the
applicant followed the oral eXamina-
ton. A half dozen or more horses
were experimental upon. Those taking
the examination were given an animal
to shoe. The entire process of fitting
the hoofs of the animals was executed
from preparing the shoe and hoof of
the horse to the finishing touches. In
all there are about forty different
styles of shoes, and the candidates are
expected to be able to turn and set all
of them perfectly.
After the candidates had finished
shoeipg their horses the state board
examined each of the four hoofs to see
thst the shoe had been properly turned
ard set. In computing the average
for each applicant the answers of the
oral questions will have as much
weight as the practical demonstration
of their skill The board will prepare
table of averages made by the APP
picants in yesterdays examination,
some time today. and those having a
certain percentage will pass. The board
has not decided upon the nercentage
requisite for registration. The entire
examination was made as practical and
simple by the board as possible. In the
neiehborhood of fifteen were examined
The employees of a horseshoeing shop
are divided into two classes. the fire
man and the f1oorman. The fireman is
required to do the preliminary work
at the forge, and, in addition, when
necessary. work as a f1oorman. The
examination tested the men in the
work of both the fioormen and firemen.