Keswick, Va., veterinarian and farrier Steve O’Grady finds that farriery in the hind foot has not been studied in comparison to the forefoot. The biomechanical forces exerted on the hind foot may not be similar to the front foot due to weight distribution, propulsionary function and the shape of the foot.

Furthermore, the biomechanics also appear to differ with regard to the structures of the hind foot and the motion of the hind limb. The low heel ”bull nosed” conformation of the hind foot has become quite prevalent in performance horses. Not only can this hind foot conformation be a source of lameness but it can also have an adverse effect on the upper body due to its direct connection to the axial skeleton. This presentation will address the etiology of this hind foot conformation, the biomechanics and the appropriate farriery.

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