One Minute Discussions #14

Discussing Natural Hoof & Horse Care

LONG TOES

One of the most common things I find myself correcting as a farrier is long toes and low heels. When the toe gets long the gait and posture of the horse changes. This affects the heels and they start going “under” the foot (underrun). The whole structure of the foot starts collapsing. 

Dr Robert Bowker mentions the importance of the development of lateral cartilages and digital cushion in the back of the foot. In image 2 I drew a basic idea of how to assess the caudal aspect of the foot. The heel is divided into 3 parts. 1 and 3 are lateral cartilages and 2 is digital cushion. Each section should be the same size. If they are then it looks like the heel is developed. But again, it LOOKS… doesn’t mean IT IS! 

You have to palpate that area and see if the digital cushion is soft or firm. 

Post a photo of your horses hooves and let’s see if the heels and toes are long! 

Denys A. 

www.njhoof.com

Hoof pictures by Denys Antonenko