During the past nine years in which it has been my privilege to teach horseshoeing to students of veterinary medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, and to classes of horseshoers under the auspices of the Master Horseshoers’ National Protective Association of America, I have been forcibly impressed with the urgent need of a text-book of horseshoeing that is adapted to the needs of beginners. In my opinion, such a work must present a detailed description of the anatomy and physiology of the legs below the middle of the cannons, and must emphasize in unmistakable terms the definite relations which exist between certain well-defined forms of the hoof and certain well-defined standing positions of the limb. Only on this sure foundation can a thoroughly scientific system of shoeing be based. Furthermore, the teachings must be eminently practical, logically arranged, as brief as is consistent with clearness, easy of comprehension by persons who are unfamiliar with technical language, profusely illustrated, and moderate in price.
Through the kindness of my respected friend and former teacher, Professor A. Lungwitz, one of the highest authorities in all matters pertaining to shoeing, and for many years a teacher in and the Director of what I believe to be the best school of shoeing in the world, I am enabled to present to the public this translation of his text-book for students of shoeing. Written to meet requirements identical with those existing today in the United States, and in scope and arrangement exactly suited to both student and teacher, I am confident that it will meet the favor that it merits.
The Translator.
Philadelphia, 1904.
PREFACE TO THE ELEVENTH EDITION.
Since the publication in 1904 of a translation of the tenth edition of Der Lehrmeister im Hufbeschlag, Prof. Anton Lungwitz, the author, having reached the age of retirement has withdrawn from the activities of the Royal Saxon Shoeing School, and has expressed a desire that the translator assume entire responsibility for future editions.
To note the progress of farriery during the past ten years many chapters have been revised, necessitating resetting, and sixty-nine new illustrations have been added and many redrawn. It has seemed desirable to discuss the effect of weight in the shoe in altering the flight of the foot; to consider rubber pads so widely used in the United States, and to direct attention to many innovations of more or less value, that have appeared during recent years.
In preparing this edition I have had the cordial co-operation of the publishers, to whom I hereby express deepest gratitude. I wish also to record my appreciation for the many suggestions and other aid given me by Mr. Franz Enge, Chief Farrier of the shoeing shop of the Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania.
John W. Adams.