FALSE QUARTER
—is a defect in the hoof of a horse, originally sustained by some injury, producing a destruction of parts; as quittor, canker, wounds, treads, bruises, or such formation of matter, by which a part of the hoof has been unavoidably destroyed, or necessarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfect, forming a sort of cleft (or artificial union) with the sound part upon the surface, productive of a sensible weakness underneath. This imperfect and defective junction renders such quarter, as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is destined to bear; in which case, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, as perfect cure is not to be expected. Care must be taken in forming the shoe to relieve the tender part from pressure, by hollowing it at that particular spot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon the sound parts. By constant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projection with the fine side of the RASP, and a few occasional impregnations with fine spermacæti oil, the hoof may be sometimes restored to its original formation.