Bob,
A new owner of a fox trotter that was a little trotty followed advice from alledged experts and set the horse up higher in front to get a fox trot. What she got, of course, was more of a trot and harder. As you know, I am against messing with natural angles, what should one do to shoe away from a trot. I don't do shoe angles or weights so do not know what to answer her.
Thanks, (name with held)

ANSWER:

I start with the natural angle and try not to change the angle in front, just work a little with the rear angles. (1 or 2 degrees ONLY) lower to enhance the FT. Higher to HELP fix the pace. Both problems are three fold; (1) Rider error. (2) Poor genetics. (3) Wrong equipment.

Messing with the front angles can cause many problems; stumbling, bowed tendons, pulled ligaments, etc. (nobody will experiment for 15-30 min, ALL changes stay for 6-8 weeks)

For more information check questions # 1 & 2

Hope this helps,

Bob

Back to Missouri Foxtrotter News Previous Page
Back to Hosslogic QandA