Manual for Army Horseshoers (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ...Therefore always hold the nail with the flat side toward the outside edge of the shoe. By driving nails into the wall of the foot some of the horn tubes are destroyed, and the higher the nails are driven the greater the injury to the wall. Nails should, therefore, come out at a height just suflicient to hold the shoe--not exceeding one inch--and in order to damage the wall as little as possible, both the size and the number of the nails should be as small as will accomplish this object. The outside of the white line is the correct place to start the nails, and shoes should be fitted with this end in view. Nails thus started come out evenly on the wall, are low, and at a strong angle. To the experienced shoer the feel and the sound of the nail and the amount of force required in driving are important guides. The nail is.held. between the thumb and fingers to steady it in starting, and, if going properly, it imparts to the fingers a character istic sensation called the "feel of the nail." A nail driven into healthy horn gives off a distinct sound which the shoer soon learns-Io recognize. All nails going properl must be driven with considerable force. A nail driven with s ight resistance, i. e., "going easy," is either in an old nail hole or serious damageis being done becaiise the nail is entering the soft sensitive structures of the foot '( pricking)... Nail heads must be sunk in the crease until they are flush with the ground surface of the shoe. If this is not done, the heads ma project unevenly and throw the foot off the level. They will a so wear quickly and cause a loose shoe. SECURING THE SHOE. 56. The shoe is placed upon the bearihg surface of the foot and held firmly in position with the left hand, ...