Practical horseshoeing . ique to its axis, and not parallel to each other, gives a good idea. nevertheless, of the obliquity which forms so marked a feature in the hoof. Tlie degree of obliquity of the front 2 26 PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. part or toe, and of the upper surface, varies with theamount of growth; but where this has been counterbal-anced by a proper degree of wear, it will be remarkedthat this obliquity corresponds to the inclination of thepastern-bones immediately above the hoof, when the horseis standing. It will be obvious that this inclination also varies withthe breeding of the
Practical horseshoeing . ique to its axis, and not parallel to each other, gives a good idea. nevertheless, of the obliquity which forms so marked a feature in the hoof. Tlie degree of obliquity of the front 2 26 PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. part or toe, and of the upper surface, varies with theamount of growth; but where this has been counterbal-anced by a proper degree of wear, it will be remarkedthat this obliquity corresponds to the inclination of thepastern-bones immediately above the hoof, when the horseis standing. It will be obvious that this inclination also varies withthe breeding of the animal, and the conformation of thelimbs; so that no definite degree can be assigned. Butit must be pointed out, that giving the angle of 45°,as is done in almost every treatise on shoeing and theanatomy of the foot, is a grave error. Looked at in pro-file, a hoof with this degreee of obliquity would at oncebe pronounced a deformity—the slope is too great (); and if the farrier were to attempt to bring every foot. Fig. 6. lie shod to this standard, he would inflict serious injury, notonly on the foot itself, but also on the back tendons andthe joints of the limbs. Careful measurement will provethat the obliquity of the front of the hoof is rarely, if ever,in a well-shaped leg and foot, above 50°, and that it is, inthe great majority of cases, nearer 56°. The sides or quarters of the wall are less inclined—though the outeris generally more so than the inner; while the heels arestill more vertical, and the inner may even incline slightlyinward. Viewed hi profile, the posterior face of the hoof THE HOOF. 27 will be observed to have the same degree of slope as thefront face. In height, the heels are usually a little morethan one-half that of the toe; both heels are equal inneight. These features, as will be seen hereafter, are sufficientlyimportant to be constantly remembered. The other char-acteristics are to be found on the lower or ground face ofthe hoof—^the most
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjecthorses, bookyear1872
