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The best method for determining if your horse's toes are too long is 
x-ray (as Karen mentioned).  However, there are external references you 
can use as well.  I've included (below) a link to a website that talks 
about balancing the dorsal hoof wall to the pastern axixs.  

Generally speaking,  what needs to be corrected with a long toed horse 
is the distance from the TRUE apex of the frog to the end of the toe 
when looking at the hoof from the bottom.  Most farriers don't 
understand this and don't know how to correct it.  If the hoof has a 
fairly healthy shape (the sole surface is round, and not oblong and 
stretched), the farrier can simply remove the flare from the topside of 
the toe, remove the excess hoof wall growth from below  and that will 
take care of the long toe.  But, with hooves that have grown forward for 
a long time the sole may be stretched forward in an oblong shape 
(instead of round) and a bit more drastic trimming needs to be done to 
correct the situation.  And, of course, trimming the heels back to give 
correct support is also imperative when attempting to correct this type 
of hoof conformation (if the toe has grown forward, so will the heels).

Generally speaking (all hooves are different), the distance from the 
TRUE apex of the frog to the end of the toe (looking at the bottom of 
the hoof) in an Arab is about 1.25" (or less).  The hoof wall, measured 
from the top of the hairline to the ground should be around 3-3.25".

To find the TRUE apex of the frog, one must trim the tip of the frog 
back to locate the juncture of the frog with the sole.  In hooves that 
have grown forward for a long time, the frog will have migrated forward 
as well and sometimes evern the apex appears to have moved forward.  
This is not the case and a knowledgeable hoof person  will be able to 
find the true apex.

A horse with the breakover too far forward will be putting excessive 
stress on the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon, Impar Ligament and also on the 
Navicular Bone.  In addition, the pastern joints will be out of 
alignment which leaves the potential for the horse to develop 
arthritis/ring bone.   This configuration is idenfied externally as 
"broken back pastern axis" and is consistent with navicular syndrome; 
otherwise known as caudal hoof pain.  It's probably one of the most 
common causes of lameness/pain in saddle horses.  Many people find it 
difficult to tell if their horse's pastern axis is in alignment.  The 
easiest way is to take a photograph of the leg fromt he cannon bone down 
fromt the side and then mark it up yourself according to the article 
below.  When taking the photo, you need to make sure the cannon bone is 
exactly perpendicular to the ground and also take the photo from as 
close to ground level as possible. 

Link to an article assessing the hoof/pastern axis:  
http://www.equipodiatry.com/hoofangl.htm 

Karen


Referenced Post:
Hi Guys, I don't want to start a debate on shoeing vs barefoot, but I'm 
interested in having a method in which I can tell if my horses' Toes are 
too long. I have used this samee farrier for years. I like him.. he does 
a very balanced foot, but I have had people say... "you know that horses 
toes are a little too long". I personally don't think they are, but I've 
now been pulled from 2 rides with a lameness in the same leg.. Right 
front.. and I'm wondering if these folks are right. I have heard that 
there are measurements that can be taken that will help me know if the 
length is correct for that horse, but I can't remember how to take those 
measurements and what they meant. Also, do folks still Hot shoe? My 
farrier makes his shoes from bar stock and still seats the shoes on the 
foot while the shoe is hot.. I have no problem with this practice.. but 
again, I had a problem with crumbing feet this year and one of my 
helpful friends said... "I think it's the Hot shoeing". All I can say 
there is nothing like not finishing a few rides due to lameness that 
gets you wondering if you are doing the right things with your style of 
horse management!!! All comments... even flaming comments will be 
accepted! I'd really like to hear from the Vets and Farriers on this 
issue.. Thanks loads.... Lucie appalucieataoldotcom

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