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When
the horse’s hind leg is
carrying (engaged) the hoof breaks over the toe and, as the
hoof rolls over the toe, the hoof recoils forward and
upward, toward the horse’s body. Horses that are using
their haunches well will not flip their toes out behind
them.
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Toe Lift |
Click picture for larger image.
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When
the hind leg is
pushing (out behind) the hoof breaks over the toe. The toe then
flips backward and upward and may even kick up dirt
before recoiling forward. Toe flipping is a sign of
disconnection and imbalance (a
constrained neck, hollow back, haunches out
behind, or rushing).
As
the horse’s balance improves the toe flipping ceases,
even at the lower levels.
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| Toe Flip |
Click picture for larger image.
You
may get a better idea of this concept if you try
mimicking the different trots with your own feet. It may
also help to think of your posture and way of going when
pushing a wheelbarrow vs. carrying a lsack of grain.
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