What is forging?

[ann-jen]

Have just come back from a dressage competition and we got 63%

all 6s and 7s except a 5 for my medium trot and a comment of forging. We've only just started doing novice and medium trot is definitely not our strong point - lol. Usually we just a comment such as modest but today we got forging and I'm not sure what it means. I felt she did lengthen slightly but was perhaps a little on her forehand - is that what it means?

Thanks,
AJ

 

[spaniel]

Forging happens when the front of the hind foot hits the underside of the front of the front shoe (sounds complicated but it isnt). Usually means the horse is not moving well enough in front and the front foot gets clipped by the hind foot. Not over reaching.

 

[Irishcobs]

It means she was hitting his front shoes/toes with her back hooves. If she was slight on the forehand this would make sense.

 

[lorenababbit]

also in the context of dressage a horse that forges may just move badly as spaniel said but often they do it in medium/extended work if the pace is hurried/rushed when the horse loses balance. sadly we judges are obliged to comment and mark it down. You cant miss it as it makes a clicking sound.

 

[ann-jen]

Arrgh yes - she used to make the clicking sound a lot but as her flatwork has improved I don't hear it very often any more. I didn't notice it today but that would make sense as she was a bit unbalanced and so I suppose that when its more likely to occur.
Thanks guys.