Stumbling and Clicking of Horses

Question
> > We have two foxtrotters.... What hoof angles are best to
> > shoe the horses in order to get the best performance from the horses? The
> > horses are 18 yrs and 4 yrs. old
> > We currently are using about 45 degree angles front and back. Our concern
> > is that after about the 3rd or 4th week after shoeing, the horses start to
> > have a lot of clicking with their shoes. The horses also seem to stumble
> > more as their toes get longer.
> > We are shoeing them on a 6-8 week rotation. Also we would appreciate any
> > shoeing tips you could provide.
> > Thanks for the help.
> > Doug
> >

Answer
I recommend trimming MFTs (and other breeds) to their natural angles. The angle of the front hooves should be the same as their shoulder/pastern. The angle of the rear hooves should be the same as their hip/pastern. Most MFTs and TWHs have angles in front between 52 and 56 degrees, and, 54 to 58 behind. These figures are speaking in general and each horse is a little different.

A 45 degree angle seems rather low and would cause the problems with stumbling and clicking that you are encountering. The long toes would slow down breakover and cause clicking as the the hind feet are catching up and hitting the bottoms of the front feet. As the toes get longer they also tend to drag and cause stumbling.

I also use flat plates as heel and/or toe caulks tend to change the flight path of the hooves. For mountain riding or anywhere traction is important I use "eventer" shoes.

Bob