Posted by Derin Foor on July 24, 2001 at 22:14:11:
In Reply to: Re: Overreaching or overextending posted by Brian on July 24, 2001 at 19:05:21:
: : : I'm hoping you can give me some information on curing my horse of a reoccurring problem. I call the problem overextending or overreaching. He clips his front heels with his rear hooves. The trainer calls it quarter cracks. The hooves have no cracks. It does not seem to happen on firm dirt (4 inches or less) or turf only deep dirt. The overreaching problem occurs when he has long toes and low heels. He is clipping himself about half way up between the hoof and the fetlock on the back of the pastern. This problem also never happens at home but only at the track after the track farrier trims him.
: : :
: : : Measuring his hooves one is nearly 1/2 inch shorter than the other (Front) & not level. #2 I also think he needs special shoes......something that will make him more stable on dirt tracks. Regular front and rear aluminum racing plates do not seem to work. Could you recommend a shoe that could stop the slippage when he runs on dirt? Would you have any other suggestions that I might try? This horse is a 4 year old that was set to race last fall but had this same problem. Got him ready to run this spring and again the problem reoccurred. Just got him healed up and took him to the track a couple of days ago and this time he clipped his heels while galloping.
: : : I would appreciate any help you could provide me..... Thank you very much.
: : : Brian Schulz
: : Brian,
: : Over-reaching and quarter cracks are two totally different problems...your trainer should stick to what he knows....not shoeing!
: : if the farrier is leaving your horse out of balance then you have a problem.....it sounds like LTLH (long toe low heel)syndrome might be a problem here.......over-reach boots would be indicated until the problem is resolved to reduce further injury..... a lameness exam might be necessary if proper shoeing doesnt correct the problem
: : good luck ~~~~~~ Derin
:
: Derin,
: Thank you for your comments. I believe you are right about the LTLH. I'm having a different Farrier take a look at my horse to see if that is the problem.
: Please explain overreach boots.... are they the same as bell boots?
: If we get the trim and balance problem solved would you have any recommendations on a good aluminum racing shoe? I'd like something that allows more beakover but very stable. The track is very sandy and loose. Should I just let the Farrier make that decision? I'm very new in this racing game. I want the best for the horse not me.
: Personally I'm looking at level grips in a shoe for him. Reading all I can about shoes etc and to me it would be the most stable I've found. 180 degree stability. I also looked at shoes with slighty raise heels but I'm hoping a new trim and balance will take care of the LTLH. One last shoe I looked at was a squared toed shoe that does allow more breakover. I've been told that any Farrier could square a toe on any shoe if need be. Any comments appreciated?
: Thanks again,
: Brian
yes, over-reach boots/ bell boots is what I meant
true, your farrier should be able to squre the toe of most any shoe you decide to use and that decision would be best made by your farrier as you have suggested
in my practice I shoe many EX racehorses, but none currently racing so I wouldnt be qualified to recommend a particular shoe......perhaps someone that shoes these horses will jump in here
good luck ~~~~~~~ Derin