One Minute Discussions #32

Discussing Natural Hoof & Horse Care 

TOE DRAGGING

I find this problem quite common in my line of work and there are a couple of causes that I’m observing over and over. 

Many times toe dragging (especially in hinds) is caused by mechanical issues in the back, psoas, hock and/or fetlock area. Either from pain or muscle underdevelopment, the horse isn’t capable to lift the foot up during locomotion and drags it on the ground instead. 

Also, a lot of times I see worn off toes from constant toe-first landing. This becomes a big problem with developing the foot since with toe-first landing the heels are becoming much weaker. 

Toe dragging wear shouldn’t be mixed up with toe dubbing, a technique purposefully done by farriers and trimmers where they rasp the toe from the top. 

Denys A.