| When it comes to shoeing and Farrier talks one | | | | 3. Too high or too low heel is out of balance. |
| of the least understood topics is the discussion of | | | | 4. Pigeon toes or toed out are out of balance. |
| hoof balance. Ask half dozen different Farriers the | | | | 5. Uneven hoof wall where the medial side of the |
| meaning of hoof balance and you're likely to have | | | | hoof is either shorter or longer than the lateral |
| half dozen different answers. While hoof balance is | | | | side is out of balance. |
| so misunderstood it's also most crucial to avoiding | | | | 6. Not enough hoof wall in line with the break over |
| permanent lameness to horses. Put those two | | | | point is out of balance. |
| ingredients together and you have a recipe for | | | | Many times there will be a combination of all the |
| disaster. Until hoof balance is completely | | | | above and this is a real problem. Horses in this |
| understood there's a 98% chance a horse will | | | | condition are being seriously compromised. Where |
| remain at serious risk. Let's discuss balance and | | | | it is easy to identify potential problems correction |
| reduce the risk. | | | | is all together another story. Correction is a very |
| True hoof balance is not simple; it's a combination | | | | complex combination of the most advanced |
| of many different principles and applications. | | | | elements of shoeing. And if we look at the very |
| Balance involves bone angles, loads, support, and | | | | first paragraph of this article you will realize most |
| alignment of joints, shoe placement, foot length | | | | Farriers just don't know how to place a horse into |
| and direction and more. All these areas need to | | | | optimum performance and minimum risk of |
| be put together like a puzzle in the proper | | | | lameness. This is sad but true. |
| proportions and amounts before optimum | | | | Horses become lame due to one or a combination |
| performance can be achieved. | | | | of any of the above issues pointed out on the list. |
| Sometimes talking about what hoof balance is | | | | Sometimes permanently lame. |
| "Not" is easier than talking about what it is and | | | | The purpose of this article is to increase your |
| while doing so you can recognize when you or | | | | awareness of the importance of correct shoeing |
| your horse are in danger. Here's a simple list. | | | | practice and to empower you to take action to |
| 1. A long toe stretching forward too far is out of | | | | control the risk. This article will also point you to a |
| balance. When the toe of the hoof wall | | | | method of horseshoeing that has a 16 year 100% |
| progresses forward it pulls the heels forward with | | | | track record - "Not One Single Lame Horse". You |
| it. | | | | can get your hot little hands on this method by |
| 2. A result of heels being pulled forward are | | | | clicking the link below in the author bio. Your horse |
| contracted heels (when the bulbs of the foot | | | | will love you for it. |
| become progressively narrow). | | | | |