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Forging - By Tom Knox DWCF

Definition:
The collision of the hind shoe with the fore shoe when the horse is trotting.It can be recognised by the clicking noise as one shoe strikes against the other. Basically it is an annoyance due to the noise and also there is an appreciable risk of the front shoe being pulled off or the worst scenario occurs when the horse is brought down. The part of the front shoe struck is the inner edge around the toe and this is usually done by the by the outer edge of the toe of the hind limb.

Cause:
This condition occurs when the horse is young, out of condition, green or fatigued.If the rider or driver is lax it can also occur. The front foot is too slow in breaking over and leaving the ground to avoid the forward extension of the advancing hind foot. The breakover of the front feet may be impaired by improper preparation of the feet, pr improper shoeing decreasing the height of their action.

Conformation
Bad conformation with over sloping pasterns, or feet that are too long at the toe are contributory factors. Faulty action can occur at the walk or trot. It is commonly found in the short backed long legged horses or horses that go wide behind. Also in the situation where the front feet are under the body e.g. Camped in front, or Sickle hocks.

Clinical signs
Occasionally the noise can occur due to the hind toe (inside) striking the outside branch of the fore shoe, so the front and hind shoes can be examined for evidence of hammering.

If the striking is very severe bruising can take place especially at the toe. This can sometimes be seen when your farrier pares the sole away. This bruising can cause lameness.

Treatment
As the young horse matures and gets fitter this problem will often disappear. Where bruising to the foot has occurred, then rest is necessary to allow it to settle. Pain killing analgesics can be administered by your vet to relieve any discomfort.

Prevention
Fitting a "Dub toe" shoe can prevent this. This is a hind shoe, which has the toe very much under the toe of the foot, reducing the risk of contact.


Author - Tom Knox DWCF