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Re: [RC] Query #2: why are low heels bad? - Karen Sullivan----- Original Message ----- From: "Steph Teeter" <stephteeter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> http://www.equipodiatry.com/topics.html Lysane and Steph gave good info; I also wanted to mention that people often get a low heel confused with a low, LONG underrun heel... As Lysane mentioned, a strong, short heel at the back of the hoof (with a good heel/bar buttress) accompanied by a correct toe length is an ideal hoof conformation. The breakover will be correct and the horse with land slightly heel first. The lateral cartlidges and digital cushion in the rear of the hoof, along with a strong frog, are designed to take the weight of the horse landing, and absorb a tremendous amount of shock, PROVIDING they are strong and developed.... A forward, underun heel often looks very low, but can be at total mess. I see this all the time on mostly bad shoe jobs....the entire hoof becomes stretched forward, often with a flared toe (laminar separation), very week heel buttress in the wrong place...frogs often atrophy... horse starts toe landing as heels are uncomfortable...which further weakens heels and internal structures. Horse gets worse over time...has heel pain, owner mistakenly adds wedge pads thinking it will help heels (since they LOOK long and overrun)....this may temporarly make horse seem more comfortable, but makes problem worse, now coffin bone is pointing down, horse is still forced to land toe first....more flare...horse ends up lame. Absolute best website with tons of information and best links page is. Links to all kinds of vet. research www.healthyhoof.com Karen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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