Posted by James Rooney on January 30, 2003 at 14:03:33:
In Reply to: Hind Feet toe first landing posted by Phil Armitage on January 29, 2003 at 22:30:06:
: I recently read an article that stated the front feet should land flat and the hind should land slightly toe first, does this sound right to anyone? I am shoeing horses that do land toe first in the hind at a trot and canter.
: Phil
This seems to come up periodically, usually without supporting evidence. When moving slowly, at the walk, the feet, fore and hind, land flat. As the speed increases both impact more and more heel first; then toe. Toe first impact is not usual nor normal except when landing from a jump when the fore feet will routinely impact toe first. I say that is usual and normal landing from a jump and is-according to my studies- a major factor in the high incidence of navicular disease in jumping horses. I discuss this at length in The Lame Horse and on my web site here in horseshoes.com.