Toe first in front

Hi, on the trail ride back, we walk along a road for a bit to get back to the barn. I usually let her gait back because I love the sound of it (4 beat). But today I am hearing the back hooves, but barely hear the fronts.

When I untacked her, I hand walked her around for a bit and saw she was actually hitting the ground toe first, and that's why I'm not hearing the fronts hit the ground.

Just today. So my question is what are all the things that promote a heel first landing? Is it a balance issue?

Maybe it's long toes. I also noticed that she's chipping the hoof away on the toes. Hmmm.

Youns got any pics of her feet?
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I don't have recent ones.

Try hand walking her briskly and see if she's still doing it. Lots of horses land toe first when dawdling along.

Did you tell your farrier?
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My gelding I ride lands toe first he always squares off his front feet even when shod.

Will be watching this post.

Horse will land toe first when they are in pain -thrush will cause a toe-first landing.

If any of my horses starts to land toe first, I am looking for a reason why.

My less-than-grade 1-club hoof horse will land flat-footed on the front end but if he starts landing toe first, I know something is wrong; generally thrush with him.

My foundered horse landed toe first on the front, in his early stages of founder.

My point is, it is not normal for a horse to land toe first. Something is wrong somewhere when they do.

I agree with Walk. Many times a toe first landing is associated with pain. I would check for any heat in the hoof, treat for thrush if there is any and then keep an eye on it. Hopefully it's just a bruised hoof. You could also pack with a poultice for the night or even soak in Epsom salt to see if it makes a difference. Since you just noticed it, you'll just have to watch and see if it's an all the time thing or a new thing..

Thanks. She's not lame, foundered, navicular bone unchanged, or anything like that. Her xrays a few weeks ago are perfect (got them for reference). She's a TWH, and this farrier has been leaving her toes longer. I'll have to look again,

I don't think she likes the long toes. I heard it can delay breakover, then the leg doesn't have enough time to extend fully. Which makes sense to me.

I think I also want to map out her feet with this paper from ELPO, mapping live sole. No idea where I got it, on the web somewhere. It'll be interesting.