How to Achieve A Sounder Horse

soles overtrimmed shoes fit too big or too small and inappropriate nail placement. If not addressed these basic issues can cause radical lameness later on.
Length is leverage and leverage causes movement and stress which can result in distortion flares and crushing of the heels. Heels follow the toe which means with toe growth length the heels will also move forward. Long toes can cause a myriad of problems including but not limited to tendon strain navicular issues and the breakdown or crushing of the internal and external heel region of the hoof.
Appropriate flat and level trim
Correct amount of toe and or heel taken to appropriate anteriorposterior angles
Flares dressed to appropriate medial and lateral balance containing capsular distortion
Appropriately chosen machinemade handmade or modified shoe
Appropriately chosen nail size and placement pertaining to the shoe chosen
The shoe must accurately follow the perimeter of the trim and adequately cover the heel terminating just past the end of the buttress at about the widest part of the frog in a healthy foot
HPA has been adhered to barring any gross pathology
No sole pressure
A nice tidy nail line approximately onethird of the way up the hoof wall
Tight properly seated clinches with a smooth finish free of rasp marks.
Many times a good shoeing can be undone by the care provided between farrier visits. This scenario happens more often than one might think. In order to minimize potential lameness or capsular distortion it is paramount that an appropriate shoeing cycle and proper stabling conditions are adhered to.
There are many scenarios that cause a decent shoeing job to deteriorate. Wet paddocks damp stabling feet not being picked out daily inappropriate nutrition and lengthy intervals between shoeing appointments are all detrimental to hoof conditions. It is imperative to maintain a hoof care schedule that reflects the growth rate of your horses
hooves in any given season. Many horse owners sacrifice quality stabling and regular shoeing visits in order to save money. However in the long run they may end up spending more money due to lameness visits from the veterinarian and the need for therapeutic shoes or even euthanasia.
Breeding also plays a role in the quality of horses hooves and can often be a contributing factor to lameness. Many times breeding is compromised for the sake of convenience or cost resulting in offspring with less than desirable limbs or feet. Unsound horses often become broodmares passing on their conformation flaws and weaknesses to their foals. If conformation issues are not addressed or monitored from the start they can become greater problems at a later date and may result in another horse becoming unsuitable for riding.  
The equestrian sports have changed over the years and much greater demands are being placed on these athletic horses. As a result those with conformational or limb defects often develop soundness problems if not attended to by a competent farrier who can create custom or corrective shoes. Breakdown or lameness can also occur when a horse that has spent the winter months with little attention to its feet is then shod just before a show. In all seasons the horse should be given adequate hoof care to allow him to better assist you in obtaining your competitive or leisure goals.