Posted by Meg Oliver on September 13, 2003 at 11:16:13:
In Reply to: Re: Front hoof angles posted by Ron West on September 12, 2003 at 11:46:17:
: : I recently had 2 different horses with front hoof angles that were greater than their back hoof angles. The angle of the hoof wall matches the slope of the pastern and the slope of the shoulder. The front angles were at 57 degrees, where the back angles were at 53 degrees on one horse, 54 degrees the other. Now since the angle matched the slope of pastern and shoulder, I guess I already know the answer to my question (at least I hope I do). Medial-lateral balance was established as well. Does anybody else see this in their practice, or did I miss something? Both horses moved fine afterwards, and stood correctly. Thanks in advance.
: Lower angles behind are not uncommon at all, we see this in show horses a lot as the farrier often has to slow down the hinds to address interference issues. every once in a while you'll see a horse that's more upright in the hinds but not as often if the horse moves well doesn't interfere and is sound you've done your job well, somtimes hind hooves deteriorate because they're in the poop more, this may cause the heels to degrade creating a lower angle, I've never noticed lower angles behind to be a problem on there own.
: Ron West Westcliffe Colorado
Low hoof angles on hind feet are common especially among easy keepers who are barefoot all the time. I see this in my own horses who I PREFER to be barefoot, and have observed for years. I have never shown them...I just observe how they go naturally and try to mimic that. Are these horses you speak of barefoot or shod? That makes a big difference.
Meg Oliver