Subj: Farrier Question
To: MFTHorses

Question:
I have been told by some people that a MFT must be shod at a 56--57 degree angle in front and a 58--60 degree behind. I have had my horse shod this way and it does not gait well.

Answer:
The only correct angle for a FT, QH, TB, Appy, etc, etc, is the natural angle ie, shoulder/pastern, hip/pastern. When finding the best angle for a horse, start with the natural angle (each one is a little different) with plain flat keg shoes. All of this other stuff (toe weights, heavy plantation, heeled etc.) are used in place of many hours of riding or to make artificial show gaits. A horses angle can be adjusted slightly to enhance the fox trot gait once the natural angle for the horse has been established and the horses movements observed under those conditions.

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