Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Forging, Clicking, Popping Noise of Hind Feet Contacting Front Feet During Movement
Summary
Forging is the contact of the sole of the forefoot from a hind foot as it is brought forward. It occurs more in horses with short backs and long hind limbs. It is more frequent when hooves are overgrown. Long toes cause an increased arc of flight and encourage contact between toe of hind foot and sole or heel of front foot.
Forging may not cause much trouble, but it actually can in some cases cause injury. it might also suggest that a horse is likely to trip or make other types of limb to limb contact. So its important to minimize it when possible.
Forging may not cause much trouble, but it actually can in some cases cause injury. it might also suggest that a horse is likely to trip or make other types of limb to limb contact. So its important to minimize it when possible.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Discuss this problem with your farrier and vet. Take note of whether the sound goes away after trimming. Consider farriery to shorten breakover of both front and hind feet. Consult your vet to rule-out lameness, or if your farrier's approach does not remedy the problem. Take note of when the problem recurs after trimming or shoeing.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Less Common
your vet's role
By performing physical and lameness exams, your vet rules out lameness, considers the causes of forging and helps you address the problem.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you notice any lameness?
- When was the horse last shod or trimmed?
- When did you first notice this?
- Is your farrier shoeing or trimming in the same way as in the past?
- Is there a new farrier shoeing or trimming the horse's feet?
- Has anything changed with respect to shoeing or trimming?
- Do you notice any other problems?
- Does the problem occur every step or is it only intermittent?
- What is the shoeing or trimming interval?
- In what gait do you notice the problem most?
- Has anything else changed?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health