Re: Debate on rolled toes (long)

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

I have not signed on to the 'natural trim' fad (although there are aspects
that make sense), so this is not the response of 'natural trim true beliver'
(in any of its manifestations). I am not qualified to get into a discussion
of the operation of the DDF in propulsion. But it would have nothing to do
with the toe digging in - the opposite would be the toe sliding backwards
and there is absolutely no support for the theory that a rolled toe slides
backwards. I will leave it for the vets with particular knowledge of the
mechanics of the leg to argue whether delayed breakover and foot flat on the
ground with the horse further forward in any way aids propulsion - that is
the real result of a longer toe. And even if it aids propulsion, that is not
the only consideration. Propulsion is also aided by anything that prevents
reward motion of the hoove (read that is the biggest borium caulks you can
find), but that does not make them a good idea in general.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net


----- Original Message -----
From: "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.
[snip]