> You have to get your horse off herself because every "click" means that she's
> going to try to do something extra with her back, her hocks--any other part
> to try to get off herself--lameness, muscle soreness, back soreness--all
> these will result. Again, the principle that will work, a step at a time, is
> to shorten the toes and raise the angles in front--lengthen the toes and
> lower the angles behind. But it has to be done a little at a time--no more
> than 2 degrees change per shoeing.
Tom
I've heard you should square or roll the rear feet as well. This speeds up both
breakovers and keeps the stride shorter. (I think) If you lengthen the rears you will
cause the rear feet to stay on the ground longer and then he will reach farther after it
does breakover increasing the likelihood of interference. (clicking) Also keeping the
feet on the ground longer would put increased stress on the tendons and hocks, areas we
need to avoid any additional stress on.
Also I believe the angle should match the fetlock angle (usually). This is the angle
of the hoof wall, not the angle to the rolled or squared point. I try never to mess with
this angle.
These are my understanding of the mechanics, further explanation of your answer would
help.
Also maturity seems to reduce the incidence of clicking, unfortunately I think it is
the loss of flexibility in maturing athletes that stops the clicking, so it may be a
sign of wear as well as a sign of a stronger, more balanced athlete.
Thanks
Jim Mitchell
Bakersfield, Ca.