[Horseshoer]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
TM 2-220
Document
Reserve
WAR DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL MANUAL
THE HORSESHOER
March 11, 1941
NON-CIRCULATING
i Xi j LJ la,,i ? 3 * $ I * •
*TJM 2-220
THE HORSESHOER
Prepared under direction of the Chief of Cavalry
TECHNICAL MANUAL No. 2-220
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 11, 19A1.
294452°—41---1 |
Chapter 1. Basic information. Paragraphs
Section I. General______________________________________ 1
II. Anatomy and physiology of horse’s foot, pastern, and legs___________________________________ 2-12
III. Horseshoer’s tools, machine-made shoes, and nails____________________________________________ 13-35
IV. Making horseshoes from bar iron or steel_____36-38
V. Borium-treated horseshoes_______________________ 39
VI. Fundamentals of horseshoeing___________________ 40
Chapter 2. Normal, special, and corrective shoeing.
Section I. Normal shoeing—the riding horse_____________41-50
II. Special shoeing—polo horses, hunters and jumpers, draft animals____________________________51-53
III. Corrective shoeing___________________________ 54-68
Chapter 3. Care of feet, field expedients, and practical suggestions.
Section I. Care of feet between shoeing periods_________69-72
II. Care of feet of unshod horses________________ 73-76
III. Field expedients and practical suggestions___77-83
Page
Appendix. Horseshoer’s catechism_______________________________ 99
Index_________________________________________________________ 113
♦This manual supersedes TM 2140—15, November 1, 1926.
TM 2-220
1 CAVALRY
Chapter 1
BASIC INFORMATION
Paragraphs
Section I. General---------------------------------------- 1
II. Anatomy and physiology of horse’s foot, pastern, and legs_______________________________________ 2-12
III. Horseshoer’s tools, machine-made shoes, and nails 13-35
IV. Making horsehoes from bar iron or steel______36-38
V. Borium-treated horseshoes_____________________ 39
VI. Fundamentals of horseshoeing___________________ 40
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph
General____________________________________________________ 1
1. General.—a. The power of the horse’s foot to resist wear and injury depends upon the elasticity of the horn structures, proper functioning of the sensitive and nonsensitive structures, and distribution of the weight of the animal in accordance with the ability of the various parts of the foot to carry the load. The strength of the horn structures depends largely upon the percentage of moisture contained therein. This moisture is supplied from the blood circulating through the feet and from external sources, such as moist footing. The strength of the hoof and the rapidity of growth are sufficient under natural conditions to offset the wear and protect the inner structure of the foot against injury. When the horse is removed from his natural environment and is used for carrying or drawing heavy loads over hard and dry footings, or when stabled in stalls where the floors are hard and dry, the blood may not furnish sufficient moisture to keep the horn structures of the foot in normal condition. Additional moisture should be supplied and the hoof must be protected against wearing away at a rate greater than the growth of horn. Therefore, the necessity of applying shoes is apparent.
A That shoeing is a necessary evil cannot be denied. Shoes fitted and applied in the best-known method are detrimental to the free functioning of the foot structures. Every nail driven into the wall of the hoof destroys a number of horn fibers and tends to weaken the
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THE HORSESHOER
main weight-bearing part of the foot. The shoe raises the frog from the ground and interferes with the functioning of the horny frog and elastic structures.
c. The horseshoer must have a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the horse’s foot and must be familiar with the horse-shoer’s tools and know how to use them to make horseshoes which will interfere as little as possible with the functioning of the foot. Also, he should have a general knowledge of the location, shape, and direction of the bones of the legs, so that by skillful work and knowledge of shoeing he can retain true gaits, improve or correct faulty gaits, alleviate or eradicate many of the disorders of the feet, and furnish relief to injured parts.
Section II
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF HORSE’S FOOT, PASTERN, AND LEGS
Paragraph
_____ 2
_____ 3
_____ 4
_____ 5
_____ 6
_____ 7
_____ 8
_____ 9
_____ 10
_____ 11
the
Definition____________________
Bones of legs_________________
Parts of foot_________________
Bones of pastern and foot_____
Elastic structures of foot____
Sensitive structures of foot__
Hoof__________________________
Dissipation of concussion-----
Blood supply------------------
Moisture______________________
Conformation of pastern and feet.
2. Definition.—Anatomy is the science of the structure of body; as used herein it is the study of the various parts in the formation of the horse’s foot, pastern, and legs. Physiology is the study of the functions or uses of these parts.
3. Bones of legs.—The names and locations of the bones of the fore and hind leg are shown in figure 1.
4. Parts of foot.—The horse’s foot is composed of four parts: The bones.
1) . Certain elastic structures of cartilage or gristle.
c. A layer of highly sensitive flesh or quick, the corium, which covers the bony and elastic framework.
d. The box or case of horn called “the hoof” which incloses and protects the sensitive parts.
5. Bones of pastern and foot.—The bones of the pastern and foot form a column extending downward from the fetlock joint
a.
3
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5
CAVALRY
C.
— B
-D
-E
—G
-J
...-K
-M
F.
H
I.
L —
A. Cartilage of prolongation. H. Large metacarpal.
B. Scapula. I. Long pastern bone.
C. Humerus. J. Sesamoid.
D. Ulna. K. Short pastern bone.
E. Radius. L. Coffin bone.
F. Carpus. M. Navicular or shuttle bone.
G. Small metacarpal.
® Fore leg.
I
2
4
5.
-6
-8
7
.10
a.
ii.
12.
13-
-14
1. Pelvis. 8. Small metatarsal.
2. Ischium. 9. Large metatarsal.
3. Femur. 10. Sesamoid.
4. Patella. 11. Long pastern bone.
5. Tibia. 12. Short pastern bone.
6. Fibula. 13. Coffin bone.
7. Tarsus. 14. Navicular or shuttle bone.
® Hind leg.
Figure 1.—Bones of the legs.
4
A. Cannon bone B. Long pastern C. Short pastern D. Coffin bone E. Navicular bone F. Fetlock joint K. Coffin joint P. Pastern joint a. Extensor tendon b. Deep flexor tendon c. Perioplie ring d. Coronary band e. Plantar cushion f. Sensitive frog g. Horny frog h. Periople i. Sensitive sole j. Horny sole k. Sensitive laminae 1. Horny wall wl. White-line
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Figure 2.—Parts of the pastern and foot.
c_ c
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TM 2-220 5
THE HORSESHOER
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Figure 4.—Bones of foot and pastern region.
Figure 3.—Relation of bones to outside of foot, cartilage largely exposed.
Long pastern bone.
Pastern joint,
<»»Short pastern bone, -
joint.
gi||i, bones. '
< «... .Cut edge of wall.
Lateral cartilage
Navicular bone
Sensitive lamina'.
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5
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CAVALRY
Figure 5.—Coffin bone.
through which an artery and a nerve enter the bone and a vein leaves it. At the top of the wall surface, in front, is a projection called the extensor process to which is attached the extensor tendon of the foot. On each side of the coffin bone is an extension to the rear called the wing. The lateral cartilages are attached to the outer and upper borders of the wings, and the ends of the navicular bone are attached to the inner surface. The lower surface of the coffin bone, called the sole surface, is concave, half-moon shaped, and smooth, except at the back part, which is roughened for the attachment of the deep flexor tendon of the foot. It is called the tendinous surface. The upper surface, called the articular surface, articulates with the short pastern bone and navicular bone and with them forms the coffin joint.
d. The navicular bone is of irregular shape. It is situated behind and below the short pastern bone and behind the coffin bone forming a joint with both. The extremities of the bone are attached to the wings of the coffin bone. The lower surface is covered with car-
into the hoof and are as follows: the long pastern bone, short pastern bone, coffin bone, and navicular bone.
a. The long pastern bone reaches from the fetlock joint above to the pastern joint below. Its upper end joins or articulates with the lower end of the cannon bone forming the fetlock joint. Its lower end joins the upper end of the short pastern bone, forming the pastern joint.
b. The short pastern bone follows the direction of the long pastern bone downward and forward and lies between the pastern and coffin joints, its lower end being within the hoof.
c. The coffin bone is of irregular shape, is situated within the hoof, and is similar to the hoof in shape. The surface of the front and sides is known as the wall surface. It has a number of small openings for the passage of blood vessels and nerves and is roughened to give attachment to the sensitive laminae which cover it. On each side of this surface is a groove running forward to an opening
6
THE HORSESHOER
Outline of hoof
Position of navicular bone
Cartilage of; coffin bone.
Figure 6.—Side view of foot after removal of hoof and part of skin.
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5—7
Z>. The plantar cushion is an elastic wedge-shaped pad which fills up the space between the lateral cartilages on the sides, the frog below, and the deep flexor tendon of the foot above. The point or front part of the plantar cushion extends forward to the ridge, which separates the sole surface from the tendinous surface of the coffin bone. The base or back part is covered by the skin above the heels. When the frog comes in contact with the ground as the foot is planted, the plantar cushion acts as a buffer and prevents jar.
7. Sensitive structures of foot.—Over the bones and elastic parts of the foot is found a complete covering of sensitive flesh called the corium. From each part of this layer of flesh some portion of the hoof is secreted or grown. The sensitive parts are the coronary band, the perioplic ring, the sensitive laminae, the sensitive sole, and the sensitive frog.
tilage, forming a smooth surface for the movement of the deep flexor tendon which bends the joint.
6. Elastic structures of foot.—All the structures of the foot, except the bones, are more or less elastic or springy and yield when pressure is applied. Certain parts have a high degree of elasticity. Their purpose is to overcome the effects of concussion or jar when the foot strikes the ground. These parts are the lateral cartilages and the plantar cushion.
a. The lateral cartilages are two large elastic plates of cartilage, one attached to the top of each wing of the coffin bone, extending backward and upward. Their borders may be felt at the heels under the skin above the coronet.
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a. The coronary hand is a thick band of tough tissue nearly an inch wide. It extends entirely around the top of the hoof from one bulb to the other, and lies in a groove on the inner surface of the wall at its upper border. The surface of the coronary band is covered with small pointed projections called “villi” from which is grown the horny wall of the hoof.
&. The perioplic ring is a narrow band of flesh running around the hoof just above the coronary band and separated from it by a faint groove in the wall. From the fine villi on the surface of this ring the delicate fibers grow which form the periople or hoof varnish.
c. The sensitive laminae, or sensitive tissue, cover and are firmly attached to the wall surface of the coffin bone and to the lower part of the outer surface of the lateral cartilages. From these delicate tis-
Figure 7.—Ground surface of foot after removal of half of hoof.
sues of flesh grow the horny laminae or inside lining of the horny wall.
d. The sensitive sole cqwts the sole surface of the coffin bone, is covered with villi, and grows the horny sole.
e. The sensitive frog covers the lower surface of the plantar cushion and from its villi the horny frog grows.
8. Hoof.—a. Parts.—The hoof is the outer horny covering of the foot. It is divided into three parts: the wall, sole, and frog. In the healthy foot these parts are firmly united.
(1) The 'wall proper extends from the edge of the hair to the ground. The outer surface of the wall is covered by a thin varnishlike coat of fine horn called periople. The inner surface of the wall consists of from 500 to 600 laminae. These are thin plates of horn running downward and forward. Between them are fissures
8
I'eri'oplic ring.
_ Periople of heel or bulb
Angle of wall
Angle of sole.
Sensitive lamina*
Sensitive frog
Position of ; navicular bone
Sensitive .sole-
Position of insertion of deep flexor, tendon
Horny sole -
White line ...
Lower border of wall
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THE HORSESHOER
toe to
6. White line or junction of wall and sole.
7. Point of frog.
8. Cleft of frog.
9. Commissures.
.0. Bulbs of frog.
1. Bearing surface of wall.
2. Horny laminae.
3. Angle of wall or buttress.
4. Bar.
5. Horny sole.
51 Angle of sole.
either of the
Figure 8.—Ground surface of foot.
(«) The toe is the front part of the wall. It extends on side to the point where the first nail is driven into the foot shod horse.
(6) The quarter extends backward on each side from the the buttress.
(c) The buttress is that part of the wall which turns abruptly inward and forward.
into which dovetail the sensitive laminae. The horny laminae and the sensitive laminae are firmly united in the healthy foot. This union between the laminae binds the wall of the hoof to the coffin bone and its cartilages, suspends the weight of the horse from the wall as in a sling, and thus prevents the bones from descending on the sole. On the upper border of the wall lies the coronary band. The lower border of the wall is known as the bearing surface. The regions of the wall are the toe, the quarter, the buttress, and the bar.
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(d) The bar is that part of the wall which extends inward and forward from the buttress to within about an inch of the point of the frog. The hoof is thus made stronger by the ends of the wall extending inward to form the bars. The bars are weight carriers and act directly on the wall to produce expansion when weight is placed on the frog.
(2) The horny sole is a thick plate of horn. The sole is arched upward and joins the sensitive sole from which the horny sole grows. Its lower surface is hollowed and is covered with scales or crusts of dead horn which gradually loosen and fall off. The outer border of the sole is joiner! to the inner part of the lower border of the wall by a ring of soft horn called the white line. The inner border of the sole is V-shaped and is in union with the bars, except where the sole joins the point of the frog. The sole protects the sensitive parts above, and in the healthy foot should not be in contact with the shoe except along a very narrow border at the white line. This border should not exceed one-eighth of an inch.
(3) The frog is a wedge-shaped mass of softer horn filling the V-shaped space between the bars and sole. The lower surface has two prominent ridges, separated behind by a cavity called the cleft. These ridges terminate behind in the bulbs of the frog. Between the sides of the frog and the bars are two cavities called the commissures. The upper surface of the frog is the exact reverse of the lower. It has in the middle a ridge of horn called the frog stay, which assists the plantar cushion in breaking concussion. Its expansion and contraction aid in the circulation of the blood in the foot.
b. Structure of horn.— (1) The horn of the hoof consists of fine fibers, similar to hair in structure, held together by a cementing substance. The horn fibers run in a parallel direction downward and forward and are straight in the wall and sole and wavy in the frog. The fibers of the frog are finer, softer, and more elastic than those of the wall and sole. The wall wears away at the lower border or, if the animal is shod, the growth is removed in preparation for shoeing. The sole and frog scale off always in unshod feet and sometimes in shod feet when the fibers have reached their proper length. They should not be cut except when necessary in the treatment of a diseased condition or to remove a surplus accumulation of horn.
(2) The average rate of growth of horny structures under normal conditions is about three-eighths of an inch per month. The rate of growth is governed by— .
(a) Climatic conditions.
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THE HORSESHOER 8-11
(6) Amount of work or exercise.
(c) General physical condition of the horse.
(t/) Ability of the horny frog to function naturally.
(e) Care given the horn structures, such as providing moisture when needed. Moisture may be added to the horn structures by the • application of white rock or clay packs over the area of the horny sole and frog, by applying cold water packs to the wall of the hoof, or by standing the horse in the soak stall for several hours with the feet immersed in water.
(/) Use of stimulating agents, for example, application of a mild irritant or an ointment, such as lanolin, around the coronet.
9. Dissipation of concussion.—The concussion borne by the foot is lessened by the functioning of its parts. The weight of the horse is transmitted down the bony column of the leg. The end of the bony column is suspended within the hoof by the dovetailing of the sensitive laminae and the horny laminae. As the weight is transferred from the bony column to the wall and bars of the foot, these laminae give way slightly, allowing the bony column to descend. This in turn causes the sole to be somewhat lowered. Contact of the bearing surface of the foot with the ground compresses the horny frog and the plantar cushion. The plantar cushion in turn expands outward against the lateral cartilages which force the quarters outward. This outward movement at the quarters is called expansion. When the foot is lifted from the ground these elastic structures return to their normal shape and position. This is called contraction.
10. Blood supply.—The sensitive structures, especially the corium, are well supplied with arteries and veins. The arterial circulation is sufficient unto itself, but the venous circulation receives a mechanical aid from the movements of the foot. When expansion takes place the blood in the veins is forced out of the foot toward the heart. When the foot is lifted from the ground the veins refill with blood. These movements of the foot aid materially in the circulation, and the expansion and contraction diminish the jar to the foot and leg. The horse should have daily exercise to give the tissues of the foot their proper nourishment and, when taken out to work, the animal should be walked at first to allow the circulation to adjust itself to the change from rest to work.
11. Moisture.—The wall of the healthy foot is by weight about one-fourth water, the sole more than one-third, and the frog almost one-half. This water is derived internally from the blood supply and externally from moist standings and the soil, and preserves the horn in a tough and elastic condition. The periople which covers the
11
CAVALRY
removed in preparing the hoof for
should be
TM 2-220
11-12
shoeing. Moisture may be introduced artificially by first bringing into the foot an abnormal supply of moisture and then applying to the hoof a dressing of some vegetable oil to prevent undue evaporation.
12. Conformation, of pastern and feet.—a. Definitions.—(1) Pastern conformation as viewed from the front is classified as toe-in, straight, and toe-out,. (See fig. 10.)
wall serves to prevent undue evaporation and therefore should never be rasped, except when absolutely necessary for corrective shoeing, particularly on flat feet. As there is no similar covering for the sole and frog, the layers of horn on their exposed surfaces dry out and die. The dead layers are hard and brittle and gradually flake off, but as they help to preserve the moisture in the live layers beneath, as little as possible
® Toe-in. @ Straight. @ Toe-out.
Note.—Dotted lines show pastern and foot axis as viewed from the front.
Figure 10.—Pastern conformation (front view).
® Sloping. ® Regular. ® Stumpy.
Note.—Dotted lines show pastern and foot axis as viewed from the side.
Figure 11.—Pastern conformation (side view).
(2) Pastern conformation as viewed from the side is classified as sloping, regular, and stumpy or upright. (See fig. 11.)
(3) The pastern axis, as viewed from the front and side, is an imaginary line passing through the long axis of the pastern, dividing the pastern into equal parts.
12
Nerve
-Vein
-Artery
Artery
■Extensor tendon
Deep flexor tendon
Coronary band
Vein-
Sensitive laminae
Sensitive frog
Horny frog
Homy sole
■Wall kmHomy laminae
Figure 9.—One-half of hoof removed showing corium.
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Texas state college for women
LIBRARY 2_220
THE HORSESHOER 12
(4) The foot axis, as viewed from the front, is an imaginary line passing through the front part of the hoof at the center of the toe from the coronet to the lower border and dividing the foot into equal parts.
(5) The foot axis, as viewed from the side, is an imaginary line passing through the side of the hoof parallel to the front line of the wall from the coronet to the lower border at the toe.
6. Conformation of the pastern.—For the riding horse, pastern conformation classified as straight and regular is desired. The gait is true and there is not as much strain upon the foot and leg structures as with the other pastern conformations. The horse with a toe-in pastern conformation extends the feet during flight with an outward swing. The horse with very sloping pasterns is susceptible to strained flexor tendons. The horse with stumpy pasterns is susceptible to foot disorders, due to greater concussion on the foot structures. The gait is likely to be rough and lacking in flexibility.
c. Conformation of the feet.—The feet are classified as cup-shaped, flat, round and broad, long and narrow.
(1) («) A cup-shaped foot is one in which the horny sole is arched. Looking at the bottom of the foot, the horny sole is concave.
(6) A round and broad foot is one that is often too large in proportion to the size and weight of the horse and may have a horny sole that is flat.
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Figure 50.—Shoe fitted pointed at the toe (on rough or rutted roads, feet may break over either to right or left).
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A. Wall. C. Coffin bone. E. Horny frog
B. Laminae. D. Sensitive sole. F. Horny sole.
Figure 60.—Faulty nailing.
57
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CAVALRY
/ine
Whi.
-White th
Wbi/o /tine
Figure 62.—Nails driven too close to sensitive structures.
58
Figure 61.—Insecure nailing.
(2) Nail holes too small will wear away the nail heads, resulting in loose or cast shoes (fig. 60).
o. (1) Insecure nailing, for example, nails that do not enter the outer border of the white line, will result in cast shoes and breaking away of the wall (fig. 61).
(2) Nails driven into the sensitive structures (pricking) will result in lameness (fig. 61).
p. Nails driven too close to the sensitive structures will cause pressure and irritation and result in lameness (fig. 62).
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THE HORSESHOER 51
Section II
SPECIAL SHOEING—POLO HORSES, HUNTERS AND JUMPERS, DRAFT ANIMALS
Paragraph Polo horses----------------------------------------------- 51
Hunters and junipers____________________________________ 52
Draft animals--------------------------------------------- 53
51. Polo horses.-—a. General.—(1) The polo horse’s shoeing should permit him to move at speed—to start, turn, and stop quickly. Unfortunately, more consideration is usually given to performance during a polo game than to preserving the health of the foot. The shoe best suited for performance is not of sufficient weight and strength to protect the hoofs during a 6-months’ playing season. Therefore, during and at the close of the playing season, irregularities which develop must be corrected. During the playing season, foot ailments can be held to a minimum by proper care of the feet in the stable and by careful shoeing.
(2) Before the playing season opens, the feet should be in good condition, free from thrush, contraction, corns, and other foot ailments. The wall should be of sufficient length to resist the effect of concussion and be free from numerous nail holes. The horny sole should be of sufficient thickness to protect the sensitive sole from being injured.
b. During training period.— (1) Assuming the feet are in good condition, they should be carefully prepared for the new shoes to insure balance of the gait. “Snowshoes” (hind pattern) are suitable for use during the training period. The shoes for the front feet should not be calked. They must be fitted with sufficient roundness at the toe to afford lateral support to the foot at the moment of starting in flight. The branches are fitted and finished to cover the buttresses and allow for expansion of the quarters and heels. The shoe is concaved to avoid sole pressure; the nail holes are opened to conform in size and shape to the nail used in securing the shoe, and at an angle to conform with the angle of the wall where the nail is driven.
(2) The shoes for the hind feet are generally fitted with heel calks inch in height. The outside heel calk is made as described in paragraph the inside heel calk should be diamond-shaped. A toe clip is placed at the point of the toe to hold the shoe in position. Calks of this pattern on the hind shoes give firm footing and allow the horse to turn on the haunches with the minimum strain on the ligaments and tendons of the lower part of the leg.
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c. During playing season.— (1) Some changes in shoeing will be necessary as the horse enters the playing season. Lighter shoes are used and fitted with less fullness at the quarters and heels. The shoer should not remove as much surplus horn (shorten the wall) when preparing the feet as is customary when preparing the feet for ordinary shoeing. The lighter weight shoe will permit of fast work without undue fatigue; the shoe fitted close at the quarters and heels will reduce casting shoes; plenty of horn will counteract the effects of increased concussion due to fast gaits, as well as compensate for more frequent reshoeing. The horseshoer should use a foot gage when preparing the feet for the shoe to insure the same length of
® Hind.
® Front.
Figure 63.—Full swedge shoe.
toe and height of heels on corresponding feet.
is similar to shoeing a race horse and requires exactness in every detail. Measurements of the feet should be recorded as a guide for preparing the feet of successive shoeings. The full swedge shoe is well adapted for use on the polo horse during the playing season. This shoe is light in weight. Its construction is such that it will afford firm footing and protect the hoofs from ordinary injury. This type of shoe may be procured in the various sizes and weights. A commercial shoe, steel trotting plates, with heel calks on hind shoes as explained above also makes a satisfactory, light, serviceable shoe for use during the playing season.
60
Shoeing a polo pony
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THE HORSESHOER
(2) Prepare and balance the feet for the new shoe, leaving about i/8 inch greater length of wall for normal shoeing. The branches of the shoe should terminate with the buttresses. There should be very little fullness of the shoe beyond the outline of the wall from the bend of the quarter to the buttress. The heels of the shoe than shoe feet than
measurements. In general, the measurements of the hind feet will coincide with those of the front feet.
(3) The full swedge shoe fitted with heel calks (par. 51e
79
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5/?o) Before shoeing the horse, carefully observe the movements of the horse at the walk, slow trot, and extended trot. Observe the general conformation of the horse, then examine closely the condition of the hoofs and shoes. Observe the feet from the front and side
294452° 41------6
81
5ecS/on o/ fee
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65-66 CAVALRY
for balance. Note the amount of surplus horn and the weight and fitting of the old shoes. Make inquiry as to the amount and nature of work the horse performs. This knowledge will assist greatly in determining the method of shoeing.
(2) Shoeing to correct stumbling in which the fault is due to weakness and fatigue, there being insufficient elevation of the front feet during flight, is as follows: Prepare and balance the feet as for normal shoeing. Select extra extra light issue shoes; heat and shape the shoes to the feet with the exception of cutting off the heels. Reheat and convert the toe as previously described for making the rocker-toe shoe. Now make a seat for the upturned portion of the shoe at the toe with the file surface of the rasp by cutting away the lower edge of the wall at the point of the toe. The shoe should contain sufficient heat to sear (mark) the contact of the shoe on the wall in order to procure a snug fitting. Further fitting of the shoe follows the procedure of normal shoeing. The rocker-toe will aid in easy breaking over of the foot, induce greater elevation of the stride, and will cause less fatigue, since strain on the leg structures is reduced.
66. Shoeing to correct forging.—a. General.—Forging is a fault of the gait in which the toe of the hind foot overtakes and strikes the bottom of the front foot on the same side at the moment the front foot is starting in flight. The front foot is slow in breaking over and leaving the ground to avoid the forward extension and planting of the hind foot.
b. Causes.—Forging may be due to faulty conformation, leg weariness, improper adjustment of the saddle, improper riding, or improper shoeing. Faults in conformation which tend to cause forging include a short body with relatively long legs; front or hind feet set too far under the body; or short front legs and long hind legs. Forging may be caused by leg weariness, a condition resulting from debility or overexertion. Improper preparation of the feet or improper shoeing may slow down the breaking over of the front feet, decreasing the height of their action and causing forging. Younghorses with good conformation and properly balanced feet are subject to forging while being trained and developed. In this case the forging is caused by fatigue of underdeveloped muscles.
c. Corrective measures.—The method of correction should be governed by the cause of the irregularity and the nature of work the horse habitually performs. Have the horse ridden at the walk, slow trot, and at the extended trot to determine at what rate of speed the irregularity is most pronounced. Watch for lack of coordination
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between the front and hind feet during flight; look for such conditions as would aggravate an unbalanced gait. Is the conformation of the horse good or faulty? Are the feet balanced laterally and from toe to heel? Are the shoes correctly fitted and of suitable weight? In answering the questions, the horseshoer can determine the specific.cause. If forging is caused by unbalanced feet, shoes too heavy, or shoes not properly fitted, the correction is obvious—remove the cause. Three examples of corrective shoeing are submitted in which the cause is due to faulty conformation of the horse.
(1) Example No. 1.—Properly prepare and balance the front feet and shoe with rocker-toe shoes equal in weight to the front issue shoe classified as light. Prepare and balance the hind feet; leave the hoof a little longer than normal; and shoe with lightweight shoes equal in weight to the hind issue shoe classified as extra extra light. Fit the shoes full to the point of the toe and extend the heels back about y2 or % inch beyond the buttresses. Turn the heels outward slightly. This method increases the rapidity of breaking over of the front feet and decreases the rapidity of breaking over of the hind feet.
(2) Example No. 2.—Prepare and balance the front feet and shoe with rocker-toe shoes equal in weight to the front issue shoe classified as extra light. Prepare and balance the hind feet (normal length of hoof), and shoe with hind issue shoes classified as extra extra light with heel calks and rocker-toe. This method of shoeing induces greater hock action and elevation of the hind feet in flight with decreased forward extension, and effects more clearance between front and hind feet in action.
(3) Example No. 3.—Prepare and balance the front feet and shoe with rocker-toe shoes equal in weight to the front issue shoe classified as extra extra light, Prepare and balance the hind feet, leave the hoof a little longer than normal, and shoe with hind issue shoes classified as extra extra light, convert the shoe into a square-toe and extend the heels back about l/2 or % inch beyond the buttresses. Turn the heels outward slightly. The straight section of the shoe at the toe is set back from the outline of the wall at the toe about 14 inch. The wall that projects beyond the shoe at the toe should not be removed. This method of shoeing increases the rapidity of breaking over of the front feet and higher action. The preparation of the hind feet, plus the greater length of shoes, delays the breaking over of the hind feet, thus allowing more time for the front feet to be carried into sufficient elevation to effect clearance of the hind foot when extended and planted. The shoe being set back from the
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point of the toe will avoid the clicking noise of shoe striking shoe, namely the toe of the hind shoe striking the ground surface of the front shoe near the toe.
67. Interfering and corrective shoeing.—a. General.—Interfering is a fault in gait in which the horse strikes any part of the inside of one leg with the inside branch of the shoe on the opposite foot. The injury from interfering may be located at any spot from the coronet to the knee on the front legs; on the hind legs the injury is usually found on the fetlock joint. In most cases injuries are more common on the hind legs than on the front, and most interfering is on the inside portion of the fetlock joint.
b. Causes.—The causes of interfering are temporary or permanent.
(1) Temporary.—These causes are fatigue, faulty preparation of the feet, and improper shoeing. Interfering from improper shoeing results from pointed toes, trimming the inner half of the wall too low, failing to remove large flares on the inner quarters, fitting the shoes too full on the inner quarters, leaving rough clinches, and using shoes that are too heavy.
(2) Permanent.—These causes, due to faulty conformation, are toeing-out, being so narrow-chested that there is not sufficient clearance between the front legs in flight, or having hind legs that are cow-hocked.
c. Corrective measures.— (1) For temporary causes.—The cause may be corrected by proper preparation and balancing of the feet. The horseshoer should use shoes of the proper weight, remove flares, smooth clinches, fit the shoes close at the inner quarter, and hot-rasp (round) the edge on the ground surface. Fit the shoe to insure lateral support at the time the foot is breaking over and starting in flight. Where the feet have little lateral support when breaking over, the horse is easily thrown out of balance as the foot starts in flight. This loss of balance may cause interfering. Shoes with pointed toes give little lateral support and are a common source of interfering.
(2) For permanent causes.—Permanent causes may be overcome temporarily by corrective shoeing, but when the corrective shoe is discarded the fault will almost invariably return.
d. Examples of corrective shoeing.—Before shoeing a horse to correct interfering, observe his movements at the walk, slow trot, and extended trot. Determine at what gait the interfering occurs. Observe the conformation of the horse, particularly the leg structures. Examine the balance of the feet, laterally and from the toe to heel, the amount of surplus horn to remove, the weight and fitting of the
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old shoes. This examination is made to determine the cause of the irregularity in the gait and to obtain knowledge of methods necessary to correct the fault. The horseshoer must have in mind the essential points of a balanced gait; the feet breaking over at the center of the toe prior to starting in flight; the feet and legs moving in alinement with the body without lateral swing during flight, and having sufficient elevation to clear the ground properly in the forward extension of the feet.
(1) Example No. 1.—The horse is striking the inside portion of the fetlock joints on the front legs. Cause is due to lack of lateral support at the toe of the shoe (toes pointed). Prepare and balance the feet; shoe with a square-toe shoe, light in weight, fitted with the straight section of the shoe at the point of the toe even with the outline of the wall, and extending laterally slightly beyond the wall on both sides of the toe of the hoof. The inside branches of the shoe should be hot-rasped and smooth on the edge of the ground surface the entire length of the branch.
(2) Example No. 2.—The horse is striking the inside portion of the fetlock joints on the front legs. The cause is due to faulty leg conformation. The alinement of the column of leg bones, as viewed from the front, diverges at the fetlock joint, resulting in a toe-out pastern conformation.
(«) Prepare and level the feet. Select front shoes of issue pattern classified as extra extra light and convert them into lateral-extensiontoe shoes, with the extension on the inside portion of the toe. Fit the shoes even with the wall at the point of the toe and extend the outline of the shoe to 14 inch beyond the outline of the wall at the junction of the oval and straight section. Graduate the fullness to zero at a point just in rear of the second nail hole in the shoe, and from this point to and including the heel the shoe should follow the outline of the wall. The outside branch of the shoe should be fitted close at the outside portion of the toe and full from the bend of the quarter to the heel (slightly fuller than for normal shoeing). The edge of the ground surface on the inside branch of the shoe should be hot-rasped and finished smooth. The purpose of the lateral-extension-toe shoe is to place the foot in a straight forward position when breaking over and starting in flight and to reduce the extent of the inward swing during flight. The fullness of the shoe at the natural breaking-over point of the foot acts as a lever to turn the foot into a straight forward position while the heels are being raised prior to the foot starting in flight. Handmade shoes are preferable to issue shoes when material is available for forging the shoes.
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(&) Prepare and level the feet; make and fit the shoes as described in («) above with one exception—the inside branches of the shoes are fitted about % inch longer than normal (the heel of the shoe extending in rear of the buttress). The purpose of the long heel on the inside branch is to induce the planting of the foot in a straight-forward position. When the foot is planted, the heels of the shoe contact the ground before the toe. The long inside branch of the shoe, being the first to make contact, acts as a lever to turn the toe of the foot inward or in alinement with the body. This, plus the lateral support furnished by the square toe, will start the foot in the proper direction when leaving the ground prior to the flight.
(3) Example No. 3.—The horse is striking the inside portion of the hoof at the coronet. The cause is due to a narrow chest resulting in the front legs being too close together. This conformation causes leg weariness, and when the horse is worked over uneven ground he is most likely to interfere. Prepare and balance the feet; shoe with rocker-toe shoes made from extra extra light issue shoes. The inside branch of the shoes should be fitted close, hot-rasped, and finished smooth. It is advisable to use interfering boots when the horse is used for long rides or over rough ground.
(4) Example No. 4—The horse is striking the inside portion of the fetlock joints on the hind legs. The cause is due to faulty leg conformation. The hind legs as viewed from the rear show considerable space between the hocks, and when the horse is standing naturally on the hind legs the feet are very close together. The prolongation of the median line of the upper part of the leg passes through the foot near the outside quarter. This condition is described as “base narrow.” Prepare and level the feet. Select extra lio-ht shoes and convert them into a square-toe with a trailer on the outside branch. The trailer should be about % inch in length with a turned heel calk, or a section of bar steel about % inch in height welded on the ground surface, the length of the trailer. The inside branch of the shoe should be fitted close (following the outline of the wall from the quarter to the buttress), hot-rasped, and finished smooth; no heel calk on the inside branch of the shoe. This type of shoe, when properly adjusted, will balance the foot and reduce the inward swing of the foot in flight.
(5) Example No. 5.—The horse is striking the inside portion of the fetlock joints on the hind legs. The cause is due to faulty leg conformation. The hind legs as viewed from the rear show the hocks very close together and the feet in a toe-out position. The horse is said to be cow-hocked. Prepare and level the feet. Select
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extra light shoes and convert them into lateral-extension-toe shoes with trailers on the outside branches (no calks). The shoes are made and fitted with the lateral extension at the inner portion of the toe. The inside branches of the shoe are fitted close from the bend of the quarters to the buttresses, and are hot-rasped and finished smooth. The trailer should be l/2 or % inch in length. This type of shoe, when properly adjusted, will balance the foot and reduce the inward swing of the foot in flight.
68. Paddling and corrective shoeing.—a. General.—Paddling is an irregularity in gait in which the front feet and legs are carried with an outward swing in the backward and forward extensions. The swing is most pronounced in the backward extension. The feet break over the outside portion of the toe in leaving the ground, and the outside half of the foot is carried with the greater elevation. The horseshoer may correct this irregularity in the young undeveloped horse, but little can be done to correct the fault if the horse has reached maturity with developed muscles and confirmed gaits.
b. Causes.—Paddling is common in the riding horse during the period of development and training, regardless of leg conformation. At this period, paddling is caused by undeveloped muscles, fatigue, not being accustomed to carrying weight, and not being confirmed in his gaits. A horse with a toe-in standing of the feet will naturally travel with a lateral swing of the feet and legs. A young horse that is worked on the longe at the trot, and particularly on a tight longeing rein that keeps the head to the inside of the circle, invariably acquires the habit of paddling, and will continue the fault even when traveling on a straight course.
c. Correction.— (1) For correcting paddling in the gait of the young horse with good leg conformation, use a lightweight square-toe shoe. The toe of the shoe is set even with the border of the wall at the point of the toe. This type of shoe will afford lateral support and induce a proper pointing of the foot at the moment of breaking over and starting in flight.
(2) To reduce the extent of the lateral swing of the front feet of a horse that has a toe-in pastern conformation, the horseshoer must endeavor to reduce the elevation of the stride and induce the feet to break over at the center of the toe. Increased elevation of the feet in flight increases the extent of the lateral swing. A long toe or hoof of considerable size reduces the rapidity with which the foot breaks over. Prepare and level the feet, leaving more hoof than for normal shoeing, and shoe with lateral-extension-toe shoes as described for toe-out in front, but fitted on the reverse diagonal of the feet; that is,
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fitted full on the outside branch from the toe to the second nail hole and close from that point back to the heel. The inside branch of the shoe is fitted close at the toe and full from the bend of the quarter back to the heel. The extension of the shoe at the outside portion of the toe causes a straight-forward breaking over of the feet. The greater length of wall increases the ground surface of the foot, retarding the breaking over of the foot and diminishing the elevation of the stride, with a consequent lessening of the lateral swing.
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Chapter 3
CARE OF FEET, FIELD EXPEDIENTS, AND PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
Paragraphs
Section I. Care of feet between shoeing periods____________69-72
fl. Care of feet of unshod horses__________________73-76
III. Field expedients and practical suggestions------77-83
Section I
CARE OF FEET BETWEEN SHOEING PERIODS
Paragraphs
General-------------------------------------------------------------------- 69
Keeping feet healthy_______________________________________________________ 70
Shoeing records and inspections____________________________________________ 71
Inspection of feet during grooming_________________________________________ 72
69. General.—The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is peculiarly fitting to the care of horses’ feet. In the interval between shoeing periods, strict attention from stable attendants and close supervision by the organization commander to the care of the feet will prevent many of the most common foot disorders.
70. Keeping feet healthy.—To maintain .the health of the feet and counteract the effects of shoeing, the horn structures must be kept in a natural state of elasticity and the horny frog kept free from thrush.
a. Moisture in hoof.—When horses are kept stabled, or where the ground over which they work is hard and dry, the horny structures of the hoof are deprived of the moisture they would receive in a natural state. Under these conditions the moisture supplied by the blood is insufficient to keep the foot in a normal condition. If nothing is done to remedy this situation, the hoof rapidly hardens and becomes inelastic; the quarters and heels contract, resulting in corns; and the horny frog wastes away.
b. Methods of keeping foot moist.— (1) Before putting the horses in their stalls for the night, clean and pack the front feet (of such horses as require it) with moist white rock or clay. The white rock or clay is packed in to fill the space over the horny frog and sole. Because of its porous nature, the horny frog and sole absorb
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the moisture in the white rock or clay. Satisfactory results can be obtained by having a clay stand adjacent to the stables. Leadinghorses through this clay stand, prior to tying-in, will fill the hoofs with moist clay that will generally remain in the feet until all the moisture has been absorbed from the clay. The clay stand can also be used advantageously for reducing heat or fever in the feet.
(2) Under normal, dry conditions moisture will evaporate from the hoofs. Oil of tar applied to the homy sole, frog, and walls will largely eliminate this evaporation. Oil of tar can best be applied with a short, stiff-bristled brush. In freezing temperatures, the use of oil of tar is preferable to packing the feet. The condition of the feet dictates the frequency of the use of oil of tar or packing. The objective to keep in mind is to obtain and maintain a healthy, resilient foot by the most practical method.
71. Shoeing records and inspections.—A shoeing record should be kept at each stable and should show the date on which each horse was last shod. This record is an aid to the organization commander in inspecting shoeing but must not be followed blindly. The length of time between shoeings is governed by the rapidity of the growth of horn, by the wear of the shoe, and by the general condition of the foot. The feet of some horses grow more rapidly than the feet of others. Consequently, these horses will need shoeing more often than the horses with slow-growing feet. The time intervals between shoeings for a given horse are not constant. Climatic conditions, the care the feet receive, and the nature and amount of work given the horse influence the time intervals between shoeings. ization commander should inspect the feet regularly, tion should include the following conditions: balance ' length of the hoofs, outline of the shoes, security of clinching, evidence of interfering, and general condition, memorandum should be made of the horses to be shod before the next inspection. This memorandum should include any changes in the type of shoeing of each animal. This is necessary because structural changes in the feet that will require a different type of shoe may have taken place since the last shoeing.
72. Inspection of feet during grooming.—During grooming, the feet should be carefully cleaned to remove any filth that may have accumulated around the horny frog and over the horny sole. Care must be exercised during this cleaning not to inflict bruises or injuries with the pick. At this same time, the foot should be examined for evidences of injury, such as nails lodged in the horny frog or sole or a stone lodged between the branch of the shoe and
The organ-His inspec-of the feet, nailing and . A written
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the frog. Note the softness of the horny frog-—in health it has about the consistency of rubber; observe the condition of the shoe, its wear, position on the foot, the security of nailing, and the smoothness of the clinches; and examine the inner part of the legs for evidence of interfering.
Section II
CARE OF FEET OF UNSHOD HORSES
Paragraph General______________________________________________________ 73
When shoes are removed.,_____________________________________ 74
Preparing feet----------------------------------------------- 75
Care of feet in pasture__________________________________’---- 76
73. General.—The importance of preparing the feet of horses that are to run unshod is generally underestimated. After the shoes are removed, it is imperative that the feet are balanced and the border of the wall well rounded. This preparation requires skill but insures even wear on the horn structures and prevents excessive breaking away of the wall.
74. When shoes are removed.—If horses remain shod for long periods, the horn fibers in the hoof become less elastic and break down easily. This condition is indicated most noticeably on the surface of the foot, where the wall breaks away to the height of the nail holes, and on the horny frog, which diminishes in size. If conditions permit, it is advisable to allow a horse to run without shoes for a period of 2 or 3 months out of the year.
a. When the shoes are removed from the feet of horses that have been constantly shod for a period of a year or longer, the hoof breaks away badly during the first few weeks. This breaking away may cause lameness. The lameness caused by breaking and wearing away of the hoof is not serious and will gradually disappear as the new horn accumulates. The sensitive sole may become bruised and discolored, but this also will soon disappear leaving no ill effects.
b. While the hoof is bruised or tender the horse is less inclined to race and run about the pasture. On the contrary the horse will probably move about slowly, taking care to select soft footing.
c. During their first few days in pasture, horses are inclined to roll and run. Most satisfactory results may be obtained by leaving the front feet shod during this initial period. When pastures are rough and rocky, the front feet should remain shod for a few days. Leaving the front shoes on during these days protects the feet from excessive wear and breakage. After the horses are accustomed to being in pasture, the shoes should be pulled and the feet trimmed.
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75. Preparing feet.—To prepare the feet of horses that are to go unshod, it is necessary to leave a greater amount of horn on the hoof than in the case of reshoeing. The dead horn on the sole must not be cut away but allowed to remain to counteract the greater wearing away of the hoof. The wall must be trimmed to effect balance, and the outer border of the bearing surface must be well rounded.
76. Care of feet in pasture.—Horses running without shoes require careful and frequent attention. The feet must be carefully examined each week for broken edges and loss of balance. Such irregularities as appear should be corrected. Healthy feet in normal condition can stand much wear, and if properly trimmed can remain unshod for extended periods, provided the horse is not worked continuously over hard-surfaced roads.
Section III
FIELD EXPEDIENTS AND PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
• Paragraph
General__________________________________________________ 77
In the field_______________________________________________________________ 78
To sharpen rasp___________________________;________________________________ 79
To obtain speed in shoeing_________________________________________________ 80
Shoeing young horses_______________________________________________________ 81
Shoeing refractory horses__________________________________________________ 82
Shoeing vicious horses_____________________________________________________ 83
77. General.—Many situations arise, both in the field and in garrison, that require forethought and resourcefulness on the part of the horseshoer. This section concerns itself with suggestions to the horseshoer that will enable him to perform his duties more efficiently.
78. In the field.—When the horseshoer takes the field his shoeing equipment is usually limited and may at times be reduced to practically nothing. Since he must keep his horses shod under such circumstances, the shoer must exercise his initiative and ingenuity and utilize any and all implements at hand. It may be stated briefly that he can accomplish it by one means or another. If a forge is lacking, the fire can be built on the ground. Wood, corncobs, or practically any kind of inflammable material can be used instead of coal to produce a cherry-red heat which is sufficient for shaping the shoe. In place of an anvil, a piece of iron pipe or steel rail, or even a block of wood, can be used. Wire cutters can be substituted for the pincers, the shoeing knife for the rasp, and a horseshoe for a clinching block. Any hammer can be substituted for the driving hammer.
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A complete job of shoeing can be done cold if the heels have been precut.
a. Preparing for field.-—When the horseshoer first anticipates field service, he can do much to make his job easier in the field. He should prefit the shoes that are to be carried into the field—prefitting means rounding the toes somewhat, opening the nail holes to the correct size for the nails that are to be used, and cutting off and partially finishing the heels. .
(1) Cutting off the heels is especially important before taking the field. The issue shoe when fitted as a plate shoe has an average excess length of about 1 inch in each branch. This excess length of metal weighs about 2 ounces per pair of shoes. This method eliminates the need for some of the shoeing tools of bulk and weight and greatly expedites the actual shoeing in the field.
(2) If there are facilities for treating the shoes with borium, the ratio of service wear to number of pounds is increased about three to one.
b. Nails.—Horseshoe nails, if exposed to a damp atmosphere, are most susceptible to rust and corrosion. To prevent the nails from becoming unserviceable in the field, they should be wrapped in a cloth saturated with oil and packed in a watertight container.
79. To sharpen rasp.—Resharpening the rasp is an economical measure and one that greatly prolongs its usefulness. The ability to resharpen the rasp is particularly desirable in field service where supply is difficult. The following method may be used: Remove the temper from the teeth on the coarse side by holding this side of the rasp down and placing it over the fire above the coals. When the teeth commence to show color, remove the rasp from the fire and allow it to cool slowly. When it cools, place the rasp in the vise with the coarse side up. With an 8-inch three-cornered saw file, point the teeth by running the file right-angled across the rasp, first on the front side of the teeth and then on the back of the teeth. When the filing has been completed, reheat the teeth to a cherry-red heat, holding the rasp above the fire with the coarse side down, and cool quickly by immersing the rasp in water.
80. To obtain speed in shoeing.—When the horseshoer has mastered the fundamentals of shoeing and has become reasonably skilled in his work, the following method will effect an economy of his time and labor: The work is divided into four distinct operations—preparation of the feet, fitting the shoes, nailing, and clinching. Each operation is taken up in order and is completed for all four feet before the next is begun. When fitting the shoes, it is best to heat two at
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CAVALRY
a time—fronts first and then hinds. When each shoe is fitted, it should be marked with the hammer so that it may be promptly recognized later. If the horseshoer fits one shoe at a time and then nails it on the hoof, he will find the fire is down and the time necessary to rebuild the fire has been lost.
81. Shoeing young horses.—a. (1) The first step should be to teach the young horse that raising his foot will do him no harm. This lesson should be given at the first grooming. The prescribed methods of raising the forefoot and the hind foot should be thoroughly understood by all enlisted men and should be part of the instruction of every recruit. When the young horse surrenders his foot, lower it again quietly and pat him. Later use the horse brush on the soles of his feet. Next tap the soles lightly with the currycomb. Finally, take the shoer’s position and go through the same steps. This complete instruction may be a matter of a day or of many days, depending upon the animal’s disposition, but it should not be slighted or hurried.
(2) The following method is recommended for young horses that are disposed to kick when their hind legs are first handled: The horse is equipped with a cavesson which is held by the animal’s trainer. A surcingle is placed around the girth. The man that grooms the horse takes hold of the surcingle with the inside hand in order to move with the horse and avoid injury. With the outside hand he strokes the haunches and legs, gradually working downward. In the meantime the trainer pats the horse on the neck, but corrects him sharply with the cavesson whenever he displays temper. This method is almost invariably successful.
b. The second step is to let the young horse grow accustomed to the shop. While the horseshoer is at work on a quiet horse, the young horse should be led into the shop and held by the man who has been grooming him and raising his feet. The animal should not be tied nor should he be held by any other man than the one he knows and trusts. When the animal shows neither timidity nor excitement the shoer begins work on the feet. Frequently the removal of the surplus growth of horn is all that can be accomplished without excitement or resistance. At the first sign of either, work for that day should be abandoned and the horse removed from the shop. The shock of the hammer is conveyed to the joints of the pastern bones, and the green horse, startled thereby, will struggle to free his foot. The shoer can usually handle the forefoot unassisted. If a good helper holds the hind leg in a comfortable position on his thigh and holds the hoof firmly with both hands, the shoer can work with more certainty,
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THE HORSESHOER
the shocks of nail driving will be taken up to a great extent in the helper’s wrists and arms, and the horse will stand quietly. Patient quiet work will eventually succeed, and thereafter each shoeing is more easily completed.
82. Shoeing refractory horses.—Most horses that may be classed as refractory in shoeing have been brought to this condition by improper handling when green and unaccustomed to the sights and sounds of a shoeing shop. To shoe the horse that has been spoiled by poor handling, or one that has a naturally mean disposition, some form of restraint is required. A simple method which is very effective in restraining refractory horses is as follows:
a. Means.—(1) Cuff.—A strap of double thickness inches long and l1/^ inches wide is sewed to a D-ring
of leather 18 inches long
3
Figure 83.—Cuff.
9
inches long next to the
made of %-inch round iron. A piece of thin leather and 3 inches wide is sewed on the inside of the strap D-ring; a buckle and keeper are sewed on the outside of the strap.
(2) Surcingle.—Two 3-inch rings are sewed on the outside of the surcingle, and are so placed that when the surcingle is adjusted the rings will hang down about midway on each side of the horse. A rope % inch in diameter and about 20 feet long is also used.
h. Procedure.— (1) To raise a forefoot.—Strap the cuff around the pastern, the ring above the heels. Pass one end of the rope through the ring and tie a half-hitch. The other end of the rope is passed through the ring in the surcingle on the side on which the foot is to be raised; gently flex the knee, raising the foot, and at the
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Figure 84.—To raise forefoot.
TM 2-220
82-83
same time taking in the slack of the rope. When the foot is in position for shoeing, make the rope fast in the ring; or if a helper is available let him hold the rope without making it fast. In case the rope is tied to the ring, the knot should be one that can be easily untied in case the horse should throw himself.
(2) To raise a hind foot— Strap the cuff around the pastern, the ring above the heels. Draw the horse’s tail to one side and make a loop in it; fasten one end of the rope in the loop by a “single sheet bend.” Pass the other end of the rope through the D-ring on the
cuff and draw it to the rear. The rope is held by an attendant or is made fast to some convenient place and tied in such a manner that it can be untied quickly and easily.
83. Shoeing vicious horses.—When a horse is so vicious that it is dangerous to shoe unless he is rendered helpless, either of two methods can be used. One is to put him in the shoeing stocks; the other is to throw him and tie him down. The latter method is a last resort and should be used only when gentler methods have been tried and proven unsatisfactory, and then only under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian.
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THE HORSESHOER
Figure 86.—To raise hind foot.
Figure 85.—Single sheet bend.
294452° —41——7 97
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Appendix
HORSESHOER’S CATECHISM
Section I.
II.
III.
IV.
Questions
Anatomy of foot___________________________________ 1-37
Normal shoeing___________________________________ 38-65
Shoeing to relieve or correct disorders of foot_ 66-84
Shoeing to correct faults in gaits_______________85-107
Section I
ANATOMY OF FOOT
1. Q. Why must the horseshoer know the anatomy of the feet and legs of the horse? A. Knowledge of anatomy of the horse, and particularly that of the feet and legs, is the key that reveals the fundamentals of correct shoeing.
2. Q. What is the nature of the foot structures? A. The structures consist of bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fatty tissue, highly sensitive flesh, horn, blood vessels, and nerves.
3. Q. Name the bones of the pastern and foot. A. Long pastern bone, short pastern bone, coffin bone, and navicular bone.
4. Q. What are the general functions of the bones? A. The bones form the framework upon which the other structures are built and are so contructed as to permit articulation (movement).
5. Q. What elastic cartilages are found in the foot structures? A. The lateral cartilages attached to either side of the coffin bone.
6. Q. What is the function of the lateral cartilages? A. The lateral cartilages assist in the expansion and contraction of the foot.
7. Q. What are the principal tendons of the pastern and foot? A. The extensor tendon and flexor tendons.
8. Q. What are the general functions of the tendons ? A. To assist and control the movement of the bones where they meet in the joints.
9. Q. What is the function of the extensor tendon? A. To straighten and extend the leg.
10. Q. What is the function of the flexor tendons? A. To flex or bend the leg.
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11. Q. What is the structure called the plantar cushion? A. The plantar cushion is composed of elastic fibrous tissue, corresponding to the horny frog in shape.
12. Q. Where is the plantar cushion located? A. In the rear part of the foot between the wings of the coffin bone and lateral cartilages on the side, the flexor tendon above, and the sensitive frog below.
13. Q. What are the functions of the plantar cushion? A. The plantar cushion assists largely in reducing the shock on the foot structures when the horse is in motion, and assists in stimulating the circulation of blood throughout the foot.
14. Q. What are the lateral cartilages? A. The lateral cartilages are irregular plates of gristle.
15. Q. Where are the lateral cartilages located? A. The lateral cartilages are attached to the wings of the coffin bone and extend backward and upward so that the upper borders extend above the coronet.
16. Q. Name the highly sensitive structures. A. The perioplic ring, coronary band, sensitive laminae, sensitive sole, and sensitive frog.
17. Q. What is the general function of the sensitive structures? A. The sensitive structures secrete (grow) the horn structures.
18. Q. What horn structure is grown from the perioplic ring?
A. The periople (outer covering of the wall).
19. Q. What horn structure is grown from the coronary band? A. The wall proper, or middle layer of the horn of the wall.
20. Q. What horn structure is grown from the sensitive laminae?
A. The horny laminae (inner layer of horn of the wall).
21. Q. What horn structure is grown from the sensitive sole? A. The horny sole.
22. Q. What horn structure is grown from the sensitive frog? A. The horny sole.
23. (?. Name the different parts of the hoof. A. Wall, sole, and frog.
24. Q. Are the horn structures of the healthy hoof elastic? A. Yes. They are not, however, classed as elastic structures.
25. Q. What gives the elasticity to the horn structures? A. The elasticity of the horn structures is furnished by moisture from the blood and moisture absorbed by the horn structures when in contact with damp clay or while standing in water.
26. Q. What is the importance of maintaining elasticity in the horn structures? A. To maintain the strength of those structures, to resist better the effects of concussion, and to avoid contraction of the quarters and heels.
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27. Q. What is the function of the horny frog? A. The homy frog assists the plantar cushion and lateral cartilages in performing their functions.
28. Q. Are the various horn structures in the healthy hoof firmly united? A. Yes.
29. Q. How is the outer border of the horny sole united to the inner lower border of the wall? A. The horny sole is united to the wall by a narrow ring of soft, light-colored horn called the white line.
30. Q. What is the buttress of the foot? A. The buttress is that part of the wall at the heel where it bends abruptly inward and forward.
31. Q. What are the bars of the hoof? A. The bars are a continuation of the wall, extending from the buttress to a place near the point of the frog.
32. Q. What is the function of the bars? A. The bars strengthen the wall at the heels and act as a governor to regulate the expansion and contraction of the foot.
33. Q. What harm may result in cutting away the bars, when preparing the foot for the shoe? A. Cutting away the bars weakens the wall and makes the hoof susceptible to abnormal contraction.
34. Q. What is meant by expansion of the foot? A. The foot spreads (widens) at the quarters and heels when the weight of the body is thrown forcibly upon the foot structures.
35. Q. What structures, in addition to the elastic structures, assist in reducing the concussion on the foot when the horse is in motion? A. The suspensory ligament, the attachment of the coffin bone to the inner surface of the wall (the coffin bone being suspended from the wall as in a sling), the elasticity of the horn structures, and the vast amount of blood in the foot and the arrangement of the blood vessels. All parts of the foot work together for a common cause, namely, to counteract the effects of concussion.
36. Q. How is the blood supplied to the foot? A. Blood is supplied to the foot by the heart. It is carried by blood vessels called arteries.
37. Q. How is the blood carried from the foot back to the heart? A. The blood is carried from the foot back to the heart by blood vessels called veins.
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Section II
NORMAL SHOEING
38. Q. What are the fundamentals of correct shoeing? A. (1) Balance the feet laterally from toe to heel.
(2 ) Leave sufficient wall and sole properly to protect the inner structures of the hoof.
(3 ) Fit the shoes so as to maintain the balance of the feet and permit the hoof to function freely.
(4 ) Secure the shoes firmly to the feet with minimum damage to the wall.
39. Q. What is meant by normal shoeing? A. The shoeing of a horse with sound feet, good leg conformation, and correct gaits.
40. Q. What care should the feet receive between shoeings? A. The feet should be cleaned each day in order to remove manure and other filth that may have accumulated over the sole and around the frog. They should be carefully inspected for nails or evidence of puncture or other injuries, to see that the horny frog is soft and free from thrush, that the shoes are secure and the clinches smooth, and that the legs show no evidence of interfering. Modern methods of stabling, together with the practice of working animals on hardsurfaced roads, require that, in order to maintain the normal elasticity of the structures, moisture be furnished to the horny structures of the foot. This is particularly essential during dry weather. Evidence of need of moisture is characterized by dryness of the horny frog. When the horny frog becomes hard and inelastic, the remaining horn structures are likewise in need of moisture.
41. Q. What methods are used for supplying moisture to the horn structures? A. Pack the feet with moist clay or white rock; apply cold water packs to the feet, or stand the animal in moist clay, or in water.
42. Q. How often should the horse be reshod? A. The shoeing periods are governed by the rapidity of the growth of the wall, the wear of the shoe, and the character of work done by the animal. Normally shoes remain on the feet from 3 to 6 weeks.
43. Q. What conditions of the feet and shoes would warrant reshoeing? A. The horse should be reshod if one or more of the following irregularities are present : excessive growth of horn which materially affects the balance of the feet or the natural functions of the various parts of the feet; loose or worn shoes; stumbling or interfering.
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44. Q. What is the effect of too great a length of wall at the toe? A. Too great a length of wall at the toe increases the strain on the flexor tendons, causes a retarded breaking over of the foot, and consequently a decreased elevation of the stride. These things may result in strained tendons, stumbling, and forging.
45. Q. What is the effect of too great a length of wall at the heels (heels too high) ? A. Heels which are too high raise the frog so far from the ground that it does not perform its work. This results in greater concussion on the foot, a decreased blood supply to the structures of the foot, a wasting away of the horny frog, and contraction of the quarters and heels. This unbalanced condition of the foot from toe to heel may result in stumbling.
46. Q. What is the effect of lateral unbalance of the feet, such as front feet broken in? A. This condition causes an uneven distribution of the weight of the animal on the foot structures, faulty breaking over of the feet, and susceptibility to interfering, enlargement of the fetlock joints, contraction of the inside quarters and heels, corns, and strained ligaments and tendons.
47. Q. What preliminary examination should be made before shoeing a horse? A. First, examine the horse to determine whether he has any faults in his gait. Second, examine the condition of the feet to determine the type of shoe best suited to this particular horse. Third, ask yourself the following questions: Are the feet normal or abnormal? Are the feet balanced? Are the corresponding feet the same size? Fourth, note the general'conformation of the horse, the conformation of the legs, the position of the feet in relation to the legs, the amount of surplus horn to be removed, and the position and wear of the old shoe.
48. Q. Why should the clinches be cut or straightened before removing a shoe? A. The clinches should be cut in order to avoid breaking away the wall while removing the shoe.
49 Q. How may the horseshoer determine the amount of surplus wall that may be removed with safety when preparing the foot for the shoe? A. The amount of surplus wall that may be removed with safety when preparing the foot for the shoe is governed by uncovering the live horn over the white line and by not cutting away the wall beyond this point.
50. Q. What is the difference between dead and live horn? A. Live horn is tough and pliable, whereas the dead horn is flaky and brittle and crumbles away easily at the touch of the knife.
51. Q. What is the best method to follow in removing surplus growth of wall? A. First, remove that part of the wall where the
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CAVALRY
greatest amount is to be cut away, in order to effect balance of the foot, and then cut away a like amount of horn over the entire surface. This effects and maintains balance of the foot.
52. Q. Of what particular advantage is the use of the foot gage? A. The foot gage is used to insure the same length of feet and the same angle of wall on corresponding feet. This enables the shoer to prepare the feet with a greater degree of accuracy than is possible when only the eye is used to estimate these measurements.
53. Q. How are the level and balance of the foot determined? A. The level of the foot is determined by raising the foot and sighting over the bearing surface from the buttress to the toe on one side to see if any irregularities appear, then examining the other side in a like manner, comparing the two sides collectively, to see if they are in the same plane. To determine the balance of the feet, stand the horse on a level surface in such a position as to distribute the weight of the body equally on the four legs. The foot should be in such position in relation to the leg, and, viewed from the front, in such prolongation to the column of leg bones, that the weight borne by the leg is equally distributed over the entire foot. When viewed from (he side, the slope of the wall from the coronet to the toe should correspond to the slope of the pastern (parallel).
54. Q. What is the importance of having the corresponding feet the same size? A. The corresponding feet must be the same size in order to maintain equal rapidity in breaking over and leaving the ground, and to induce the same' elevation and length of stride during flight.
55. Q. If one foot is naturally larger than its mate, which foot should be prepared first when reshoeing? A. The larger foot should be prepared first, in order to insure equal length of toes and height of heels when both feet are prepared. After the larger foot has been prepared, the preparation of the smaller is governed by the length of toe and height of heel of the larger foot.
56. Q. What particular care must be exercised in preparing a flat or flaring foot for the shoe? A. Care must be exercised in the use of the knife. Very little if any cutting is done. Care must be exercised in the amount of wall removed from the bearing surface and in the concaving of the upper inner surface of the shoe. The flat foot has little, if any, dead scales of horn covering its lower surface; consequently the thickness of horn is barely sufficient to protect the sensitive sole from being bruised. Care must be taken, therefore, in the amount of wall removed in order to maintain a proper bearing
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surface for the shoe, and the shoe must be well concaved on the upper inner surface to avoid resting on the horny sole.
57. Q. Why is it advisable to remove a portion of the outer lower border of the wall around the toe, when preparing the flat or flare foot for the issue shoe? A. This is done in order to permit the nail to enter the hoof at the outer border of the white line when securing the shoe to the foot. The position of the nail holes in the issue shoe does not conform to the position of the white line. The width of the bearing surface of the wall around the toe is greater (width from the white line to the outer edge of the wall) than the width of the bearing surface of the shoe (width from the nail holes to the outer border of the shoe).
58. Q. What damage to the wall may result when fitting and securing the issue shoe to the natural outline of the flat or flare foot? A. The nail entering the wall at any position outside the soft horn fibers bordering the white line will result in the destruction of the wall to the height the nails are driven. There will be greater difficulty in driving the nails, insecure nailing, and loose or cast shoes.
59. Q. Why should the nails enter the outer border of the white line in securing the shoe to the foot? A. The nails should enter the hoof at the extreme outer border of the white line in order to insure maximum security of nailing and minimum damage to the horn fibers of the wall, to eliminate pricking (driving the nail into, or too close to. the sensitive structures), and to avoid loose or cast shoes. The horn fibers of the inner surface of the wall are soft and flexible, yielding to the passage of the nail without seriously separating the union of the horn fibers, which may cause cracks in the outer surface of the wall.
60. Q. What guide should be used in the selection of the shoe for the foot? A. The correct size shoe for the foot is determined by the position of the nail holes in the shoe in relation to the wall where it bends inward from the quarters to the buttresses. Select the lightest shoe in which the nail holes nearest the heel are approximately at the bend of the quarters (widest part of the foot) when the shoe is placed on the foot, and which will give a reasonable length of service as estimated from the conformation of the horse and the work he is to perform, and will furnish proper protection to the hoof.
61. Q. Why is it advisable to use the plate shoe whenever the condition of the footing will permit? A. The plate shoe affords greater freedom of action and interferes to a minimum degree with the functions of the foot structures, as compared with calked shoes. Shoes when attached to the feet interfere somewhat with the free functioning
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CAVALRY
of the foot structures. The plate shoe is the nearest approach to nature, as it gives protection to the horn structures against breaking and wearing away.
62. Q. What importance is attached to the opening of the nail holes in the shoe? A. The serviceability of the shoeing depends largely on having the nail holes opened at the correct angle and of । proper size and shape. In order to secure the shoe firmly to the
wall with a minimum of damage, the nail holes must be opened at an angle to conform to the angle of the wall at the point where the nail enters the wall. The holes must conform in size and shape to the shank of the nail used. The nail must fit the hole in the shoe snugly, or the shoe becomes loose or cast in a short time.
63. Q. How should the shoe be outlined at the toe? A. The shoe should be outlined to conform with the outer edge of the wall from the bend of the quarter on the one side around the toe to the bend of the quarter on the other side. The shoe should be further outlined with sufficient fullness (rounding) at the sides of the toe near the point to afford lateral support to the foot at the moment of breaking over, irrespective of the outline of the wall at this point.
! 64. Q. How should the shoe be outlined from the bend of the
quarter to the heel? A. From the bend of the the quarter to the ; heel the shoe should extend beyond the outline of the wall a sufficient
distance to allow for the natural expansion of the heels and for the i growth of horn between shoeings.
1 65. Q. What governs the width and length of the shoe at
i heels? A. The heels of the shoe should be of sufficient width to
cover the buttresses and extend to a point even with the bulbs of the frog for the plate shoe and a trifle further when calks are used. The heels should be well finished and smooth to prevent cutting the horse, and shaped in such a manner as to permit cleaning out the foot around the horny frog.
Section III
SHOEING TO RELIEVE OR CORRECT DISORDERS OF FOOT
66. Q. What are the essentials of locating foot lameness? A. A knowledge of the construction of the foot, the functions of the various parts, and the characteristic symptoms that accompany each disorder.
67. Q. What are the symptoms of disorders of the feet? A. A hard and dry condition of the horn structures; the horny frog emit
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THE HORSESHOER
ting a foul odor; contraction of the quarters and heels; discoloration of the horny sole at the junction of the wall and bars; nonflexible condition of the upper section of the lateral cartilages; temperature of the foot above normal; short, “peggy” gait; the horse when standing, “pointing” (advancing for resting) first one foot and then the other; lameness at the walk or trot.
68. Q. What are the causes of hard and dry hoofs? A. Modern methods of stabling; dry weather; hard and dry footing over which the horse is worked; concussion; failure to supply moisture to the horn structures in an artificial way.
69. Q. How is it determined that the horn structures are in need of moisture? A. By the condition of the horny frog. When the horny frog has lost its natural elasticity, it is in need of moisture, and the wall and sole are likewise in need of moisture. The flexibility of the horny frog indicates the elasticity of the remaining horn structures.
70. Q. What are the results of failing to furnish moisture to the horn structures when needed? A. Malformation of the hoofs, such as contraction followed by deterioration of the horny frog; increased concussion on the foot structures; retarded growth of horn; cracks in the wall of the hoof: insecure nailing of the shoe; corns and other internal disorders of the feet.
71. Q. What is meant by contraction of the quarters and heels? A. Contraction of the quarters and heels is a condition in which the hoof becomes narrower at the heels, and the space is reduced between the buttresses which is normally filled by a healthy frog.
72. Q. What corrective method of shoeing to overcome contraction of the heels may be accomplished by a shoer of average skill? A. By the use of the beveled-edge shoe. Th© beveled-edge shoe is simple in construction and very effective in expanding the heels, and may be applied successfully by a shoer of no great skill.
73. Q. What are corns? A. Corns are the result of bruises to the sensitive laminae and sensitive sole.
74. Q. Give the classification of corns. A. Dry corns and suppurating corns.
75. Q. What are the causes of corns? A. Contraction of the heels; excessive concussion; removing too much wall at the heels; continued use of open calked shoes; lack of frog pressure; accidental blows upon the wall at the quarters of the hoof.
76. Q. What are the symptoms of corns? A. Lameness or a shortened gait; fever in the foot; “pointing” of the affected foot;
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CAVALRY
discoloration of horn at the angle formed by the wall and bar; pus formation (which may or may not be present).
77. Q. If a corn is in a suppurating condition, what treatment is necessary before the horse is ready for shoeing? A. All pus formation must be stopped, and inflammation must be reduced before the foot is ready for shoeing.
78. Q. What is the best method of shoeing in case only the sensitive sole is bruised? A. Prepare the foot as for normal shoeing, followed by cutting away the bearing surface over the affected area, and shoe with a bar shoe. Leather pads, tar and oakum, may be used in conjunction with the shoe if desired.
79. Q. What are the principal functions of the bar shoe? A. Frog pressure, which increases the circulation of blood in the foot, additional bearing surface (that of the horny frog), and greater strength of the shoe by welding the open ends together.
80. Q. What is meant by relieving pressure? A. Cutting away the weight bearing surface of the wall in such a way as to avoid contact with the shoe at a specified point.
81. Q. Give method of shoeing for temporary relief of a corn. A. A plate shoe may be used with a fair degree of success in relieving corns. Normal preparation of the foot, followed by cutting away the bearing surface of the wall over the area of the corn. The shoe should be fitted normally. The branch of the shoe which is not supported is likely to bend and contact the wall over the affected area within 2 weeks’ time, resulting in a recurrence of lameness.
82. Q. Why are corns confined principally to the front feet and rarely found in the hind feet? A. The concussion is greater on the front feet than on the hind, as the front feet carry more of the body’s weight when the horse is in motion. Also, the horn structures of the front feet are more susceptible to becoming hard and dry than the hind, as the horn structures of the hind feet receive considerable moisture from the droppings when the horse is standing in the stall.
83. Q. Give two forms of nail pricking. A. First, the nail enters the sensitive structures of the foot while the shoer is securing the shoe to the foot. Second, the nail in its course through the wall is driven so near the sensitive structures as to cause pressure on them by a bulging of the inner layer of horn.
84. Q. What precaution should be taken to avoid infection in case of a nail prick? A. Remove the nail, apply tincture of iodine to the nail hole, and report the animal to the veterinarian at once for further treatment.
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Section IV
SHOEING TO CORRECT FAULTS IN GAITS
85. Q. Define a balanced gait. A. A balanced gait means that the feet and legs move in alinement with the body without lateral swing; that there is clearance between front and hind feet in action, and that there is sufficient elevation to clear the ground properly in the forward extension of the feet.
86. Q. What features in the conformation of the riding horse are essential to give him a balanced gait? A. Conformation as viewed from the front: chest of good width; legs straight; feet in alinement with the body (pointing straight to the front). Conformation as viewed from the side: chest of good depth; body of fair length and well ribbed; neck fair length, set properly on the shoulder, and head carried erect; legs strong and set perpendicular to the body. Conformation as viewed from the rear: buttocks well muscled; legs straight and in alinement with the body.
87. Q. Name the most common faults in the gait of the riding horse. A. Interfering, stumbling, and forging.
88. Q. What are the general causes of faulty gaits? A. Poor conformation; unbalanced feet; improperly fitted shoes; undeveloped muscles: debility due to sickness; shoes of unsuitable weight.
89. Q. How should the causes of faulty gaits be classified? A. Causes should be classified as temporary and permanent.
90. Q. How should irregularities of gaits be corrected which are due to temporary causes? A. By removing the causes.
91. Q. What is meant by stumbling? A. The elevation of the feet when taking the stride being insufficient properly to clear the ground.
92. Q. What faults in conformation would make a horse susceptible to stumbling? A. Narrow chest; front legs weak, caused, for example, by small bone, or tendons “tied in” immediately below the knee; front legs set too far under and not perpendicular to the body; neck and head not properly set on shoulders; head carried low.
93. Q. What is the general method of shoeing to correct stumbling caused by faulty conformation ? A. The feet should be prepared for the reception of a rocker-toe shoe. A rocker-toe shoe will induce an easier and more rapid breaking over of the feet, thereby increasing the elevation of the stride.
94. Q. What faults in shoeing make a horse susceptible to stumbling? A. The wall of hoof too long at the toe (foot broken back) ; shoes fitted too full at the toe; shoes too heavy.
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CAVALRY
95. Q. What is meant by interfering? A. The foot in flight strikes the opposite leg anywhere from the hoof to and including the knee in front and anywhere from the hoof to and including the fetlock behind.
96. Q. What are the causes of interfering? A. Faulty conformation; improper preparation of the feet; improper shoeing; debility and overexertion ; undeveloped muscles; unconfirmed in gaits.
97. Q. What faults in conformation would make a horse susceptible to interfering? A. Toe-out pastern conformation; narrow chest, front legs close together; narrow hind end and legs close together; cow-hocked ; long narrow feet, and pointed toes.
98. Q. Name some of the temporary causes of interfering? A. Faulty preparation of the feet, such as lateral unbalance; shoes too heavy; debility and overexertion; undeveloped muscles, not being confirmed in gaits; improperly fitted shoes, such as shoes pointed at the toe and too full at the inside quarter.
99. Q. What general method governs the correction of interfering due to faulty conformation? A. Level the feet and outline the shoes to effect balance as nearly as possible, in order to induce a proper breaking over and reduce the lateral swing of the feet during flight.
100. Q. What types of shoes are most commonly used to correct interfering? A. The square-toe shoe and the lateral-extension-toe shoe.
101. Q. Define forging. A. Forging is a fault of the gait in which the toe of the hind foot overtakes and strikes the bottom of the front foot on the same side at the moment the front foot is starting in flight. The front foot is too slow in breaking over and leaving the ground to clear the forward extension and planting of the hind foot.
102. Q. What are the causes of forging? A. Faulty conformation; improper preparation of the feet; shoes not correctly fitted; debility; overexert ion.
103. Q. What faults in conformation make a horse susceptible to forging? A. Faults in conformation, such as a short body with relatively long legs, legs set too far under the body, and long hind legs with short front legs.
104. Q. What faults in the preparation of the feet and shoeing would make a horse susceptible to forging? A. The wall of the front feet at the toe too long and the heels too low; shoes of unsuitable weight; shoes fitted too pointed at the toe.
105. Q. Why do many young horses forge when first placed in training, even though the conformation be good? A. This condition is due to undeveloped muscles and the horse not being confirmed in his gaits.
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106. Q. What is the procedure involved in correcting forging? A. The general procedure is to quicken the breaking over of the front feet and to get them in elevation before being overtaken by the hind feet when planted.
107. Q. What type of shoe is most generally used on the front feet of the riding horse to correct forging? A. The rocker-toe shoe.
Ill
TM 2-220
INDEX
INDEX
Anatomy: Paragraphs Page
Definition________•______________________________________ 2 3
Foot_____________________________________________________ 2-12, 3
App. 99
Anvil_________________________________________________________ 14 14
Apron, leather________________________________________________ 15 14
Bar shoe____________________________________________________ 55 67
Blood supply of foot------------------------------------------ 10 11
Bones:
Foot______________________________________________________ 5 3
Leg_______________________________________________________ 3 3
Pastern___________________________________________________ 5 3
Box, shoeing------------------------------------------------- 28 19
Catechism, horseshoer’s_____________________________________ App. 99
Clinch cutter_________________________________________________ 16 14
Concussion borne by foot, dissipation-------------------------- 9 11
Corns, shoeing to correct------------------------------------- 58 73
Cutting nippers----------------------------------------------- 22 17
Draft animals, shoeing---------------------------------------- 53 63
Errors in shoeing and their effects on foot and leg structure_ 50 52
Examinations, shoeing, preliminary---------------------------- 41 32
Farrier’s knife_______________________________________________ 20 16
Farrier’s pincers_____________________________________________ 23 17
Feet:
Anatomy_______________________________________________ 2-12, 3
App. 99
Blood supply_____________________________________________ 10 11
Bones_____________________________________________________ 5 3
Care:
Between shoeing periods______________________________ 69 89
Unshod horses________________________________________ 73 91
In pasture_______________________________________ 76 92
Preparing________________________________________ 75 92
When shoes are removed_______________________________ 74 91
Concussion, dissipation of________________________________ 9 11
Disorders, shoeing to relieve or correct------------- 54-68, 67
App. 99
Inspection, during grooming------------------------------ 72 90
Keeping healthy__________________________________________ 70 89
Moisture in______________________________________________ 11 11
Parts of__________________________________________________ 4 3
Preparation for shoeing__________________________________ 44 37
Raising and holding for shoeing__________________________ 42 35
294452°—41----8 X13
TM 2-220
INDEX
Feet—Continued. Structures:
Effect of errors in shoeing
Elastic___________________
Sensitive_________________
Fire, horseshoer’s_________________
Fire rake__________________________
Fire shovel________________________
Forging, shoeing to correct________
Forge, portable____________________
Fullering iron_____________________
Gaits, faulty, shoeing to correct__
Heats, horseshoeing_______________________
Hoof______________________________________
Horses:
Newly shod, inspection________________
Unshod, care of feet__________________
Horseshoe nails---------------------------
Horseshoeing:
Corrective: Bar shoes____________________________
Beveled-edge shoes_______________
Contraction of quarters and heels_
Corns____________________’_______
Definition_______________________
Faulty gaits_____________________
Forging--------------------------
Hind shoe trailer________________
Interfering______________________
Lateral-extension-toe shoes______
Paddling_________________________
Questions and answers on_________
Rocker-toe shoes_________________
Square-toe shoes_________________
Stumbling________________._______
Draft animals_________________________
Errors, effect on foot and leg structure Examination, preliminary______________
Expedients____________________________
Fire__________________________________
Fitted shoe, outline__________________
Fitting shoe__________________________
Fundamentals__________________________
Hunters and jumpers___________________
In the field__________________________
Inspections.__________________________
Polo horses___________________________
Preparation of foot___________________
Raising and holding feet______________
Paragraphs Page
50 52
6 7
7 7
32 19
30 19
29 19
66 82
17 16
21 17
59, 60, 76
App. 99
33 21
8 8
49 51
73-76 91
35 23
55 67
56 69
57 70
58 73
54 67
59, 60 76, 77
66 82
63 79
67 84
62 77
68 87
App. 99
64 79
61 77
65 80
53 63
50 52
41 32
77-83 92
32 19
47 47
46 42
40 31
52 62
78 92
71 90
51 59
44 37
42 35
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INDEX
Horseshoeing—Continued.
Records______________________
Refractory horses____________
Removing old shoes___________
Riding horses, normal________
Questions and answers on
Securing shoes to wall_______
Selecting shoes______________
Speed in_____________________
Vicious horses_______________
Young horses_________________
Horseshoer’s catechism___________
Horseshoer’s tools:
Anvil________________________
Apron, leather_______________
Clinch cutter________________
Forge, portable______________
Fullering iron_______________
Hammers______________________
Hardy________________________
Hoof parer___________________
Knife________________________
Nippers, cutting_____________
Pincers______________________
Pritchel_____________________
Rake, fire___________________
Rasp, plain, 16-inch_________
Shoeing box__________________
Shovel, fire_________________
Tongs________________________
Vise, box-leg, 5-inch jaw____
Horseshoes:
Borium-treated_______________
Machine-made_________________
Making from bar iron or steel.
Parts________________________
Inspections:
Feet, during grooming________________
Newly shod horses____________________
Shoeing______________________________
Interfering, shoeing to correct___________
Jumpers, shoeing__________________________
Knife, farrier’s__________________________
Leg bones_________________________________
Leg structures, effect of shoeing errors on
Moisture of foot__________________________
Nails, horseshoe. Nippers, cutting
Paragraphs Page
71 90
82 95
43 36
41-50 32
App. 99
48 48
45 42
80 93
83 96
81 94
App. 99
14 14
15 14
16 14
17 16
21 17
18 16
19 16
24 18
20 16
22 17
23 17
27 18
30 19
26 18
28 19
29 19
25 18
31 19
39 27
34 21
36, 38 23, 24
37 23
72 90
49 51
71 90
67 84
52 62
20 16
3 3
50 52
11 11
35 23
22 17
115
TM 2-220
INDEX
Paragraphs Page
Paddling, shoeing to correct______________________________________ 68 87
Parer, hoof_______________________________________________________ 24 18
Pastern bones_____________________________________________________ 5 3
Pincers, farrier’s________________________________________________ 23 17
Polo horses, shoeing_____________________________________________ 51 59
Pritchel, horseshoer’s____________________________________________ 27 18
Quarters, contraction of, shoeing to correct______________________ 57 70
Rake, fire________________________________________________________ 30 19
Rasp, horseshoer’s:
Plain, 16-inch_______________________________________________ 26 18
Sharpening___________________________________________________ 79 93
Records, shoeing__________________________________________________ 71 90
Shoeing:
Corrective________________________________________ 54-68, App. 67
99
Draft animals_______________________________________________ 53 63
Errors, and their effect on foot and leg structures_________ 50 52
Fundamentals________________________________________________ 40 31
Hunters and jumpers_________________________________________ 52 62
In the field________________________________________________ 78 92
Inspections_________________________________________________ 71 90
Polo horses_________________________________________________ 51 59
Records_____________________________________________________ 71 90
Refractory horses___________________________________________ 82 95
Riding horses, normal_____________________________41-50, App. 32
99
Speed in____________________________________________________ 80 93
Vicious horses______________________________________________ 83 96
Young horses________________________________________________ 81 94
Shoeing box______________________________________________________ 28 19
Shoes, horse:
Bar_________________________________________________________ 55 67
Beveled-edge________________________________________________ 56 69
Borium-treated______________________________________________ 39 27
Fitted, outline of------------------------------------------ 47 47
Fitting_____________________________________________________ 46 42
For correction of faulty gaits______________________________ 60 77
Hind, trailer for___________________________________________ 63 79
Lateral-extension-toe_______________________________________ 62 77
Machine made________________________________________________ 34 21
Making from bar iron or steel_______________________________ 36 23
Old, removal________________________________________________ 43 36
Parts_______________________________________________________ 37 23
Rocker-toe__________________________________________________ 64 79
Securing to wall____________________________________________ 48 48
Selection___________________________________________________ 45 42
Square-toe__________________________________________________ 61 77
Shovel, fire_____________________________________________________ 29 19
Stumbling, shoeing to correct____________________________________ 65 80
116
TM 2-220
INDEX
Paragraphs Page
Tongs, horseshoer’s___________________________________________ 25 81
Tools, horseshoer’s. ______________________________________ 13-31 14
Trailer, hind-shoe____________________________________________ 63 79
Vice, box-leg, 5-inch jaw_____________________________________ 31 19
[A. G. 062.11 (1-9-41).]
By order of the Secretary of War : G. C. MARSHALL.
Chief of Staff. Official :
E. S. ADAMS, Major General, The Adjutant General.
Distribution : D2 (3);IR2, 6 (10);IC2, 6,8 (5). 117
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1941
UNT LIBRARIES, DENTON,TX 76203
1000960846
(Form 14-5/73)
A0R1B!95SR
NTSU LIBRARY
■ ' >?' ■ .