It is possible for each limb of the same horse to assume a different direction. It more often happens that if the fore-limbs are base-wide the hind limbs are base-narrow, or vice versa. While there are some other deviations that differ somewhat from those already described, they are of less importance to the horseshoer.
Fig. 59.
Sabre-legged or sickle-hocked.
Fig. 60.
Camped behind.
B. Forms of Feet. Viewed from in Front,
from Behind, and in Profile.
In all the various positions of the limbs we find the feet in one of the following three forms, or very closely approaching one of them. By means of a proper knowledge of these three forms, the judging of the form, flight of the foot in travelling, and preparation of the hoof for the shoe, as well as the choice of the length of the shoe, are regulated, facilitated, and simplified.
Whether a horse’s feet be observed from in front or from behind, their form corresponds to, or at least resembles, either that of the regular position ([Figs. 61] and [62]), the base-wide or toe-wide position ([Figs. 63] and [64]), or the base-narrow or toe-narrow position ([Figs. 65] and [66]).