by Wendy Fraser

Created on: August 15, 2009   Last Updated: August 16, 2009

Overeaching in Horses: Causes and treatment.

Definition: Overreaching occurs when the toe of the hind foot extends forward and hits the bulbous heel, coronary band, pastern, fetlock or flexor tendon of the front foot/leg on the same side. This action can cause injury as slight as a mild knock or a bit of scraped skin to something far more serious in the way of bruising, open wounds or a lacerated tendon. In addition the fore or hind shoe can be torn off.

The occasional overreach can occur when the horse is working in wet, heavy going and over-strides, particularly if he's tired. If he obviously finds this sort of ground difficult to traverse then it will be best avoided, or at least he should be ridden slowly. Another more common instance can occur when landing from a jump and one or both hind feet strike into the forefeet. For prevention of both these cases fit protective overreach boots to the front feet.

The causes of chronic overreaching can be various, most of which can be satisfactorily corrected:

~ General fatigue or lack of condition: a tired, unfit horse will generally carry its bodyweight and that of its rider over the forehand. Extra weight over the forehand can prevent the horse from extending the forelegs sufficiently. When tired or unfit make sure the horse is as collected as possible and back on his hocks. Improve his physical condition with judicious feeding and build up his muscles with steady work and schooling.

~ Poor conformation: a horse with a very short back and long legs will be more prone to overreaching, as will one that is higher in its hindquarters than at the withers. Fit some overreach boots on the front feet to protect the back of the heels.

~ Lack of balance: often due to lack of condition and fitness. It also occurs in a young, newly backed horse. A horse can be out of balance in either just the foot or in the entire body. As muscle is built up and the horse becomes fitter and/or matures balance should improve. When a horse is ridden he must balance his own weight and that of his rider. To do this without strain he will need to improve muscle tone and strength in his back and hindquarters. This will increase with maturity and schooling. Ask your farrier to check the balance in the feet.

~ Poor muscle tone: build up his muscles with strapping, good feeding and steady work.

~ Poor shoeing: change your farrier! A good farrier can provide a variety of solutions such as keeping the toes short on the hind feet and rolling

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