What is your opinion about the long toes seen on some driving horses

[willowoodstables]

Amber...

Gee yes I forgot about the look of the movement. and folks let us not forget the rear (engine). Length of stifle is just as important as length of leg or shoulder. If a horse cannot drive off the rear (hence you may square the toe for quicker breakover in the rear) and long toes will definately hinder that movement hugely.

I see so many sloopy hocks/rears I cringe. The dirt should flip back at you, the front should roll and the whole motion should have a snap, crackle, pop to it. We do not need peanut rollers in this world. Let us breed for loftiness and airness and bounce to the movement. Trust me, long toes will kill any bounce, loftiness, airness to the movement. Take two horses..one with long natural angle feet (maybe a higher angle behind with squared toes) and the other with long sloping toes. Let them loose together and watch the shoulder and hock. Now but a cart behind them and the motion becomes even more obvious.

Linda B...a trimming discussion will not hurt! But I have for one had to explain my mini's feet to people (yes even here) that meanwhile are trying to walk their horse to show ring for a halter class and they have to walk on the grass because the horse is sore from being too short. That IMHO is worse.

Kim

 

[Fred]

Amber you are so right. The whole overall horse has to be BALANCED, the MOVEMENT also has to be balanced. Front and rear have to be in harmony to have a pretty picture. Whether its a gaited horse or dressage horse it doesn't matter. This goes back to if the horse ain't got it he ain't got it. Movement has to flow and this comes from conformation, training and desire of the horse. Trimming can be part of it but its only a VERY small part. Angles are important to keep a horse sound but if the horse doesn't have the ability I don't care what you do, in the long run the horse won't look very good.

Ah, but Kim farrier work is my specialty, and I run into people like that on a daily basis. I am always willing to talk about trimming and I can't tell you how many people I have taught to trim but there will always be people like you describe. :deadhorse2: It's not just in the mini world either. If teaching proper trimming to just one person it will still make a difference.

: Linda B