'MILITARY REPORT ON PERSIA. VOLUME IV, PART I.' [‎49v] (103/168)

90
PeraWa
acathod of
Note on Persian method of shoeing.
Horses and mules are shod in Persia in a manner which,
the natives say, gives them the best foothold and protec
tion over rough stony passes.
The hoof is shortened to the required length with a
clumsy cutter and rasp, and a thin plate, which covers
the entire lower surface of the foot, except for a circular
hole over the frog, is then fitted by cold hammering, and
secured on each side by four large nails about 2£ inches
long, which are roughly clenched. The plates are not
counterstruck and the heads of the nails all project and
give a foothold even on sheet rock. This pattern of shoe
was tested- by Indian cavalry and transport units and was
condemned, because mud works into the hollow parts of
the sole being enclosed cannot be properly cleansed and
the- sole being enclosed cannot be properly cleansed and
thrush is induced. On the other hand, it is pointed out
that horses, shod in the ordinary way, are almost inevit
ably lamed by the rocks and stones on such roads as
those in South Persia ; also, the Persian pattern is
exclusively and successfully used by all Persian muleteers,
men who spend their lives on the road, and do practically
all the carrying trade of the country. British officers
travelling in Persia all speak favourably of the shoe,
especially for mules, though for horses opinion differs.
Taking everything into consideration, it would appear
that animals required to work over dry, rocky stony
ground would best be shod with the Persian pattern shoe,
while those working over wet, muddy, soft ground, or
picquetted in permanent standings, which are liable to get
damp and foul, should be shod with the ordinary shoe.