WHEN considering lameness, a horse’s foot is susceptible to an array of problems, from abscesses to laminitis, I asked Esther what foot issues she comes across most frequently:

“One of the most common problems I see is the combination of long toes and low under-run heels. Infrequent trimming, too small a shoe size and leaving the shoes on for too long, all have huge ramifications for the horse’s biomechanics because of the altered break over point. Increasing tension in the deep digital flexor tendons and navicular ligaments may increase the likelihood of navicular syndrome and heel pain. Mediolateral imbalance is also another major issue I see; this often contributes to splints and sidebone due to the pressures exerted through the limb.”