(d) A base-wide hoof requires the surface of support to be widened upon the inner side of the foot and narrowed upon the outer side, because the inner half of the foot hears the more weight. A shoe having the peculiarities described in [paragraph 4, page 114], accomplishes this end.
(e) The base-narrow hoof is just the reverse of the preceding, and requires a shoe whose peculiarities are described in [paragraph 5, page 114]. While in the normal standing position of the limbs, viewed from in front, the ends of the branches of the shoe should be equally distant from the middle of the median lacuna of the frog, this is not so in the base-wide and base-narrow positions. In the base-wide position the outer and in the base-narrow position the inner branch should be somewhat farther from the median lacuna than the branch of the opposite side.
Fig. 123.
The three principal forms of hoofs shod with flat shoes.
(f) The wide hoof has too large a surface of support, and, therefore, the shoe designed for it should possess the peculiarities enumerated in [paragraph 6, page 115].
(g) The narrow hoof has already too narrow a base of support, and must not be made smaller; therefore, the shoe should not have a base-narrow but a perpendicular outer border, as described in [paragraph 7, page 115].
Shoeing Saddlers and Hunters.
The shoes for saddlers (Park Hacks) should be light, short, and fitted snug to prevent forging, interfering and pulling of the shoes. The hoof-surface should cover the wall, white line and at least one-fourth of an inch of the margin of the sole. An average width of one inch is desirable. Both front and hind shoes should be fullered and concaved on the ground-surface (convex iron). The Front Shoe:—Length, should not project beyond the buttress more than one-eighth of an inch. Width, an inch at the middle on the branches, somewhat more at the toe, and less at the ends of the branches. Bevelling, outer border, base-narrow all around. The ends of the branches, and the heel-calks, in case they are used, are bevelled strongly downward and forward under the foot. The toe is rolled from the inner edge of the web, and provided with a strong central clip. Six nails are sufficient ([see Fig. 124]).
Fig. 124.