Corrective shoeing for poor confirmation

Jericho

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My new horse has front shoes which has side clips rather than a central toe clip. Does anyone know why this would be?? Also he is very close behind and plaits with one of his hind (yes not the best I know but he makes up for it in other ways)so is there a shoe that would suit him better (he was unshod behind as he was not worked that much and out in a field of youngsters)

I generally think his feet are a bit of a mess (not crumbly or weak just badly shaped) and his conformation is rather poor behind (slight sickle hocks). My farrier is coming out on Saturday but would like to discuss with him how we can improve the shape of his feet/ help his conformation/action but wanted to pick the brains of anyone hear who can help so that I can talk sensibly with him!!! Any advice appreciated or pointers to websites that will give me some advice on remedial shoeing!!

Thanks
 
The double toe clip is often used if they tend to pull shoes. Some farriers also think they stop the horse slipping on tarmac, the yard farrier (I don't use him) shoes everything with double toe clips. You're farrier might well put him back in single toe clips.

Re the plaiting back leg, you farrier should be able to shoe in a manner that would tone down the plaiting but it is unlikely to corect it completely. You have to remember though that it's a really slow process, in order to keep the horse sound the farrier can only make minor adjustments at a time. The use extensions on shoes to cow hock clysdale so I assume they could do something similar to go the other way.
 
The double toe clips are used primarily on horses that tend to have long toe/low heel type conformation.
By having the side clips it allows the farrier to set the shoe slightly further back, enabling the toe to be shortened, slightly more heel support and the point of breakover to be increased.
 
breakover point is the point the horses foot leave the floor. My farrier uses natural balance shoes on mine for conformation issues (among others) as the shoe can be placed further bk therefore toe can be shorter and gives more heel support. double toe clips as said are ment to give extra support and allow shoe fitted betterin some cases. im sure your farrier will disscus it properly with you
 
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