| Racing horses are especially shoed to increase their | | | | In addition, the excess stretch gives excessive strain |
| running speed. This is achieved by growing the toes | | | | on this muscle and in turn stressing the coffin bone. |
| longer than the normal acceptable length. Extra long | | | | This may be unbearable for the horses. Sometimes it |
| toes provide the horses with the vital force required to | | | | may even lead to a bent coffin bone or may bend |
| run faster. | | | | numerous other bones of a horse. |
| Because of longer toes, while moving forward the foot | | | | Also, farriers are taught that, if the horses have pigeon |
| contacts with the ground only for a small period giving | | | | toes (most of the horses have pigeon toes), then it is |
| more forward push and more speed. So, toe length is | | | | necessary to reduce the inside hoof wall, which helps |
| associated with the secret to run faster. | | | | the foot to move in the outward motion pointing in |
| There are certain disadvantages to this, as longer toes | | | | straight forward position rather than turning it inside. |
| may cause temporary or permanent lameness or bent | | | | Practicing such measures is very harmful for the right |
| tendons in your horse. In addition, the horse may even | | | | movement of the horse. |
| become handicap. | | | | Next, rotating the foot outwards or inwards is not in |
| Shoeing Or Not Shoeing - Dangers or Risks | | | | the natural anatomy of horses. Neither the horse's |
| The main reason behind temporary or permanent | | | | body structure permits to carry one foot longer or |
| lameness is that, many times racing horses participate | | | | shorter. |
| in races at a very young age. Shoeing young horses is | | | | All these things are very dangerous for horse. But still, |
| a bit dangerous, as it puts immense pressure on the | | | | in the horse racing industry, these things are |
| growing tendon bones of young ponies. | | | | overlooked. Thus, ask farrier about various caring |
| Often, horses put stress on legs, which are the most | | | | techniques for horses with pigeon toes. If the farrier |
| important body parts the excess longer toes only add | | | | tells you about reducing the hoof wall and foot rotating, |
| up to the existing problems related to the horse's | | | | you will know that it has been trained improperly. |
| anatomy. | | | | Correct knowledge is the key to prevent all these and |
| While running, the hooves of horses are in continuous | | | | still take care of the horse. Get familiar with the horse |
| contact with the ground because of excess grown | | | | care and grooming. Keep yourself update with latest |
| toes. When a horse forces his/her body forward, the | | | | caring tips. You may also search this information online. |
| flexor muscle undergoes extra strain and stretch. The | | | | There are numerous sites dedicated for horse caring |
| flexor muscle and tendon are not meant to bear this | | | | and grooming. You may join forums to post and share |
| kind of extra stress. This tendon muscle is connected | | | | vital information on the concerned subject with other |
| to the coffin bone of the foot. | | | | experts in horse care. |