Tip #1: Heel First Landing

Ensure all four hooves are making a heel first landing.  Just like you and I walk by landing first on the heel, then roll over the ball of our foot, so should a horse.  This very simple tip can reduce injury, performance interuptions, and lameness. 

To check if your horse is making a heel first landing, have someone walk your horse toward you at a brisk pace, preferably on a firm surface.  Watch each foot for a slight flip or wave at the toe just as it prepares to load the next foot. If you are having trouble recognizing a "toe flip", train your eye by havng your horse walked down a slope or small hill.  Once you can recognize it on the slope, move back to the flat surface.  If your still not seeing it, give me a ring for an evaluation.  Things that prevent a proper heel first landing are long toes, perimeter fit shoes, improper foot preparation or trimming, conformation faults, or trouble with an unhealthy hoof.

Why is a heel first landing so important?  First, a heel first landing compresses the frog which lifts the coffin bone, releasing the tension on the Deep Flexor Tendon.  This tendon runs over the navicular bone, which acts as a fulcrum, just like a rope and pulley system.  Navicular disease is a result of constant tension on the navicular bursa and bone.  Second, a heel first landing properly distributes concussion of the step out the front coronary band, instead of up the limb.  Heel first landing reduces limb injury and improves performance.

Tip #2: Proper Balance Ratios

Reseach has shown the "ideal hoof" to have 2/3 its weight bearing surface of the load to be at the back of the foot, with only 1/3 on the toe.  When working on a hoof, I work toward the ideal, but also consider what this particular hoof will allow me to do at this moment, due to distortion. 

Generally, any length of toe beyond 1" of  the tip of the frog is considered distortion and can be nippered or filed off.  There is nothing there but "dead horn".  Keeping the toe short allows for a smooth transition of weight and eliminates pull on the Flexor Tendon.  A short toe protects the coffin bone by allowing the load of the step to easily roll over the coffin bone.  Pick up your horses hoof and you may find just the opposite balance ratios in place.  Research shows long toes create many hoof problems, from minor problems such as reduced speed or tripping to severe lameness issues, such as navicular disease. 

Imagine walking around all day landing toe first or with no ball of your foot.  Try it, you may find it to be quite unconfortable.  Over time, you may find yourself developing joint and limb issues.  Heel first landing with short toe creates a proper balance ratio and landing.  It reduces limb concussion, reduces injury, and increases speed, balance, and performance.