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<< Forging can also be a genetic thing. I've seen certain bloodlines on the
standardbred track that all seem to forge. No matter what was done to these
horses, change of blacksmith, equipment changes, conditioning changes,
etc.., they still forged. It can be attributed to a horses natural way of
going, also SOME arabs with a short back and very straight legs behind will
sometimes forge. So it is not ALWAYS a fixable thing, but more then likely
I'd look at the man made problems first, fitness second, then heridatory
third.
>>
I have seen more forging in long backed horses than short backed ones...the
shorter backed ones seem to compensate and land the rear foot outside the
track of the front or clip the outside of the front. In 25 years, I have
been able to correct EVERY forging problem I have had..mostly by proper
conditioning and shoeing. Forging can be much more severe when the hind foot
actually reaches up further on the front foot and gets the heels, bulbs,
pasterns and even the ankles. Yes, SOME conformation faults can be major
enough to cause this such as a very base narrow horse with a high step.
Stifle problems can also make a horse travel so that he hits himself up
front. I saw far more of this at the harness track than in endurance. We
don't go as fast and our steps need not be so critical. On a racehorse, a
stumble from this not only can cause the loss of a race, but can be a danger
to himself and others.
Teddy
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