Over-
Reaching - By Tom Knox DWCF
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Definition:
Over-reaching is an injury
to the back of the foreleg, usually at the heel
area caused by the toe of the hind shoe.
Damage is caused by the inner margin of the hind
toe so that a triangular flap pulled down at or
around the heel area most commonly. The damage
is not caused by the front of the toe but, the
inner web of the shoe.An injury occurring above
the fetlock is a "high over-reach".
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| If
it happens to the back or side of the heel, which
is the most common situation, it is a "low over-reach".When
the heel is just hit by the toe or outer edge of
the shoe this injury is called a "strike". If it
is sufficiently severe, then there will be a cut
but not a flap. |
Causes:
1. The forelimb is insufficiently extended or the hind
limb over extended (long toes can cause this).
2. Galloping and jumping in heavy going.
3. Careless riding.
4. Unfit or insufficiently schooled horse.
Clinical
Signs
Over - reaching is similar to forging except that the
hind foot comes up more quickly than in forging. The
hind foot thus steps on the heel of the front foot on
the same side before the fore foot leaves the ground.
The shoe of the front foot is often pulled loose because
the toe of the hind steps on the heels. The collision
of the feet often results in bruising at the heels,
with subsequent discomfort, and if severe then lameness
will be present.Horizontal
cracks in the hoof wall at the heels is a tell tale
sign of frequent over-reaching. The growth of the hoof
wall is interrupted by the fore to hind foot contact.
Conformation
Faults, which predispose this condition, are a horse
with a short body and long legs, or camped in front
and standing under behind. It usually only occurs at
the gallop under saddle, commonly hunters and chasers.
Treatment
The injuries are treated as wounds and first aid
is administered as necessary. The wounds are clipped
clear of hair, washed with an antiseptic solution, dried
off, and a suitable wound powder is applied. If the
wound is sufficiently deep it will be necessary to stitch
and apply suitable bandaging.
Prevention
Over-reach boots are the simplest
answer for young horses and less severe cases. Young
animals may grow out of this problem if schooled and
taught balance under these types of circumstances. The
speed and style of some riders enhances these situations
and should be addressed.
Shoeing
The
aim is to hasten break over of the front feet and to
delay the break over of the hind. To this end, the front
heels should be raised and the hind heels lowered. Care
must be taken not to affected the pastern axis. Your
farrier can roll the toes on the front feet and if necessary
raise its heels to prevent them being caught by the
advancing hind. The heels of the hind shoes should be
kept long and the toe set under the foot in an attempt
to slow the break over.
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