Performance And Hind Hoof Angle By Skip First I've often been called upon to work on athletic horses that seem to be losing their competitive edge. They may even be unexplainably ouchy. One of the first things I look at is their hind hoof angle. Do they have any hin d heel? The common problem of little or no hind heel not only affects performance but ca uses back, muscle, tendon and ligament problems. Here's a simple illustration of the problem. Cut the heels off your boots and run five miles a day for five days. Your performance worsens and your muscles, tendons and ligaments ache. Your lower back develops a strange, nagging pain. Let's put on a 40-pound backpack (simulating a rider) and work with it. I'm sure you see the point. Ouch! Lack Of Heel Let's observe the low/no-heel problem for the horse. The theory is that the lack of hind heel is a major factor in nagging muscle/skeletal infirmities and can l ead to serious problems if unrecognized and untreated. First, look at the horse on level ground. The animal appears tucked with its rump and hind feet too far under its trunk. Next, look at the hind feet and heels from the side. Step around behind the horse and notice the bulbs nearly touching the ground. A hoof gauge will tell you the heel is too low; with no heel there is no bony column support and no performance. Proper extension of the hind leg cannot be achieved in locomotion with an underslung starting position.

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