| No. of Competitor. | Preparation of Foot. | Making Shoe. | Fitting and Nailing on. | Total. | Remarks. |
| |
The stewards should see that each competitor has a number, and that the same number is attached to the side of the horse on which he works. The steward also should take the time at which each batch of competitors commence and see that none exceed it.
Excessive rasping of shoes should be prohibited, and the men should see the sizes and kinds of nails provided so that they may make their "fuller" and nail holes accordingly.
Shoeing competitions are almost entirely confined to country districts. It is a great pity that they are not attempted in large towns. The only difficulty is the expense. It would well repay large horse-owners to subscribe and support this method of improving the art.
In conclusion I must say that the best of all ways to improve the art is by giving practical instruction at the anvil. A few lessons from a competent practical teacher are worth more than all books or lectures, as the work has then to be done, errors are pointed out and corrected, and reasons given for each step as it is attempted.
The Berkshire County Council has adopted a travelling forge—the suggestion of Mr. Albert Wheatley, V.S., of Reading—which is accompanied by an instructor and passes from town to town and village to village. In this way is supplied the tuition which used to be obtained by apprenticeship to a good workman. Other County Councils should adopt this method.
THE END.