Toe callus and breakover

[coteclown]

Can anyone help me understand the 10 degree breakover. After watching Natural Balance Hoof Trimming and reading variuos books and articles, they all stress not touching the toe callus. It is suppose to cause seperation of the hoof wall. The dvd then demonstrates putting a 10 degree radius on the toe to help with the natural breakover. How is this done without touching the toe callus? I am confused..

Thanks
Rick

[Gary Hill]

Because you are rasping the front wall only! Check out your latest pair of running shoes and see that the fronts all have a roll or rocker to them. That is all that is done, it helps the hoof to breakover faster and straighter! Best, Gary

[calshoer]

Rick, the callous is a raised ridge. The roll (the 10 degree angle on the bottom front of the toe)begins at the top edge of that callous and goes from there forward. A light touch of the rasp does not hurt the callous. What they want to avoid is paring the callous out, flattening it too much,or otherwise thinning it excessively.
A *slight* touch of the rasp to the top of the ridge when you create the rocker in the toe ahead of the callous will not do harm. Be sure you leave the little bit of extra hoof wall past the sole in the toe corners (that 1/8" before you rocker the 10 degree angle in the toe and you should be safe.
Patty