Debate on rolled toes (long)

[Kristi Schaaf <iluvdez@yahoo.com>]

I have the Jan/Feb 2001 issue 
of the American Farriers Journal in hand, and I just
read what I consider an interesting article, titled
"Toe mechanics: taking away the toes hurts the horse
more than it helps" by Randy Luikart, CJF. I've always
been under the impression that a rolled or squared toe
makes breakover easier, thus making miles of trotting 
not so tiring.
(which we all know is so important in long distance 
riding!) But the article has me reevaluating this 
theory. Luikart's opinion is that a toe is needed for
propulsion; he says "The hoof and shoe base combined
with a proper toe length allows the deep digital
flexor
apparatus to provide the propulsion needed to move the
horse's center of mass". In other words, horses use
their toes to "dig in and propel" themselves.
I see my farrier next week so will definitely ask him 
his opinion on all this (he's been telling me for
years
to quit relying on ALL the new "natural horse" fads. I
thought he was just being old-fashioned and 
difficult!)
Sorry to get so long-winded, but I thought this may be
of interest to many endurance riders who are always 
dealing with hooves and shoeing (ranks right up there
with saddle fit, doesn't it!)...of course, the article
goes into much greater detail than I have on premature

breakover caused by rolled or square toes and why it
isn't a good thing. 
Kristi       

=====
He's not just a horse, 
he's a little bit of
heaven on earth.

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