Question:

Bob,
I have a question for you. I have a 3 year old gelding, which is a really good horse, lots of headshake, set well in both gaits, good disposition, etc.
When a MFT trainer was here for a clinic, he noted that the horse has short canon bones which he says keeps him from reaching out too well in the front end. He did not really have any suggestions on how to try to improve the reach but said that "added weight was not the answer."
I would appreciate any observations that you have. Right now he has regular keg shoes with heels front and back. Also, I notice that you advocate not using heels, but I find that many others recommend heels. Can you tell me the theory for using heels? It would seem to me that the use of heels would stop the front end from reaching quite as far.

Answer:

The length of the canon bones has no relation to reach, that is governed by the angle of the shoulder. Heeled shoes cause faster break-over which translates to shorter stride in front and more trot behind. I have never found a good reason to use heeled shoes indiscriminately. I get a much more natural, smooth gait using flat plates put on at the horse's natural angle.

Hope this helps,
Bob

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