Horse that scuffs hooves together....?

[ChestnutConvert]

I've noticed that my horse sometimes scuffs his back hooves together and yesterday i also noticed a 'shuck' noise, looked down for a bit and realised he was scuffing his over reach boots together.

Is this a problem? I'm not too sure if it only happens when he is near to needing his shoes changed and feet trimmed...does any of this make sense!?

 

[LaurenM]

I would be worried that he might pull a shoe. Pole work will get him to pick his feet up more. Mention it to your farrier and they can trim accordingly.

 

[magichorse]

I remember a horse at the stables where I worked years ago used to do this. I *think* that they used to put a 'sausage' boot (rubber ring around fetlock)on one of her legs to encourage her not to 'clack' her hooves together.

 

[ChestnutConvert]

He does over reach quite a bit, so will get farrier to look at that.
The sausage ring might be an idea, was just hoping it's something i can try to sort and not a conformation or age thing really as he is getting on a bit.

 

[planete]

My horse moves very close behind. I found a farrier who could balance his feet so well it did not happen. Then he moved away. Several farriers later I removed his hind shoes in sheer desperation and he stopped scuffing his hind feet against each other. I also have his back checked regularly, make him do stretches and massage him. His hind feet are kept from wearing too unevenly by an equine podiatrist and I have to shorten his inside heels occasionally in between her visits.

Has your horse always done this or is it a new thing? If it is new it might be worth having him checked for soreness (back, muscles,joints?). You could also ask a farrier qualified for remedial farriery to come and have a look at him and get his opinion on whether your farrier could alter his trim to suit him better. From my experience shoeing "by the book" did not work, the farrier has to be able to alter the balance of the feet to suit the horse's action and the angle of his joints without creating long-term problems.