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If a horses back hooves touch the front ones when she walks, does she have a conformation flaw2007-11-24 21:17:23

There's a 10 year old thoroughbred mare I'm considering purchasing as a jumping prospect. She's perfect in every way except when she walks, her metal shoes tap together as the front hooves touch the back hooves. I suspect it is due to the fact that her hooves are way long, but I'm not sure. This does not occur at the trot or canter. Do you think she might still make a good jumper? Or should I not buy her?

Answers:

The tapping sound you're describing is called "forging". Assuming that the horse's conformation looks balanced, I'd think that trimming the "way long" hooves would go a long way toward fixing the problem.

I had an Appaloosa mare who forged a lot, (very stumpy conformation - short backed and straight shouldered) but keeping her feet trimmed properly helped a lot, and I usually didn't shoe her behind since she didn't need it and it decreased the chance of her grabbing a front shoe with a hind foot and pulling it off. Also, the fitter she was, the less she forged. She was actually a terrific jumper despite her conformation and very competitive in hunter classes.

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definatly a problem whether to long or of they smack the front feet don't get it...may be an investment you weren't expecting..have a farrier check it out they are the best person to talk too...

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If you watch a horse walk the back hoof lands where the front hoof was. Just get bell boots its some what normal, not every horse does it, but some do.