Forging in Horses: Causes, Consequences, and Corrective Approaches

Forging is a common but undesirable gait fault in horses, typically heard before it is seen. The telltale "click" of the hind toe striking the front hoof or shoe during movement can indicate subtle to significant biomechanical issues. While forging is a harmless gait fault in most instances, horses who forge should still be evaluated to determine the underlying cause.

This article explores the biomechanics behind forging, its contributing factors, and practical steps for diagnosis, prevention, and correction.

What Is Forging?

Forging occurs when the toe of the hind foot strikes the sole or shoe of the forefoot on the same side during the swing phase of the stride, typically just before the front hoof has completed its flight arc. The contact often happens at the moment the front hoof is about to leave the ground but is delayed slightly, resulting in the hind toe catching it from behind.

Forging should not be confused with overreaching, where the hind foot strikes the pastern or heel of the forefoot, which tends to be more severe and damaging.

Causes of Forging

The underlying causes of forging are multifactorial and often interrelated. Below are the most common contributors:

1. Conformation Faults

• Short back with long legs can create timing discrepancies between front and hind limbs.

• Long hind limbs or low hocks encourage a rapid forward motion of the hind legs.

• Poor coordination or neurological deficits may alter limb timing.

  
  

2. Improper Shoeing or Trimming

• Long toes and low heels on the front feet delay lift-off, making it more likely the hind foot will catch up.

• Hind feet with short toes and high heels may speed up breakover, exacerbating the problem.

• Improperly balanced hooves can disturb stride timing and encourage forging.

  
  

3. Fatigue or Poor Conditioning

• Tired horses, especially during fast work, tend to drag their front feet, delaying their lift and increasing the risk of forging.

• In young or unfit horses, coordination issues or weakness in the back and hindquarters can cause timing discrepancies.

  
  

4. Training Issues or Rider Error

• Poor engagement of the hind end or lack of impulsion often creates a sluggish front end and an overactive hind end.

• Riders who fail to maintain balance and collection may inadvertently encourage forging.

• Novice, unbalanced riders can exacerbate the incidence of gait faults as the horse will have a harder time balancing the rider's weight.

• In some gaited horses, forging may stem from forced or exaggerated motion created by artificial training aids.

Identifying Forging

The most obvious sign is the audible metallic click or clink of the hoof-to-shoe contact during movement. In more pronounced cases, the front shoe may show wear on the toe or develop nicks or scratches.

Observation Tips:

• Lunge the horse on a flat surface and listen for the strike.

• Watch from the side: the hind foot should track up to the forefoot print, not strike it.

• Examine the front shoes for signs of scuffing or wear.

• Use slow-motion video or gait analysis for more precise identification.

  
  

Corrective Measures

Addressing forging requires a combination of farriery, conditioning, and occasionally veterinary involvement.

1. Farriery Corrections

A skilled farrier is critical. Adjustments may include:

• Mapping the feet to ensure the trim is placing the point of breakover in the correct spot.

• Squaring the toe or rolling the toe to facilitate liftoff, or further bring breakover back if necessary.

• Adding traction behind

• Regular and balanced trimming cycles to prevent the hooves from getting too long or imbalanced.

To learn more about what breakover is, read our dedicated article: What is "Breakover"? A Deep Dive.

2. Veterinary Evaluation

If forging persists despite proper trimming:

• Have the horse evaluated for neuromuscular disorders, arthritis, or pain-induced gait changes.

• Back pain or sacroiliac dysfunction can alter stride mechanics.

• In young horses, growth-related issues may also be a factor.

  
  

3. Training and Conditioning

• Focus on engagement of the hindquarters and correct impulsion.

• Strengthening exercises, such as hill work, can help coordinate stride timing.

• Avoid training when the horse is overly tired.

• Use ground poles or cavaletti to encourage thoughtful foot placement and timing.

  
  

4. Equipment Adjustments

• Lightweight front shoes or synthetic shoes can reduce lag in front foot lift.

• Bell boots may protect the front hooves from repeated trauma.

  
  

Preventing Forging

While some horses are more prone due to conformation, forging can often be prevented or minimized with attention to early signs and proactive management:

• Ensure regular and balanced hoof care.

• Maintain fitness and muscle tone, especially in the back and hindquarters.

• Emphasize proper training and riding techniques that balance speed with collection.

• Monitor for changes in sound or stride, especially when increasing workload or changing terrain.

Continue Learning

Want to learn more about gait faults? Continue reading our "Gait Faults" article series, or get our Gait Faults study flashcards to learn how to identify all equine gait faults you might encounter.

FORGING Q&A

What is forging in horses?

Forging is a gait fault in which the toe of the hind foot strikes the underside or shoe of the front foot on the same side during movement. This typically happens during the swing phase of the hind leg as it overtakes the front foot, which hasn’t lifted quickly enough.

The result is often a metallic clicking sound—a clear auditory sign that the hind foot is making unwanted contact with the front.

What does forging sound like?

Forging is often heard before it is seen. The sound is a distinct metallic “click” or “clink”, caused by the hind hoof hitting the front shoe. It may be intermittent or consistent, depending on the severity and stride timing.

What causes a horse to forge?

Several factors can contribute to forging in horses:

• Improper hoof balance – Long toes and low heels on the front feet delay breakover, increasing the chance of contact.

• Conformational faults – Horses with short backs and long legs, or long hind limbs, are more prone to forging.

• Fatigue – Tired horses may drag their front feet, delaying liftoff.

• Lack of engagement – Poor impulsion and back-end engagement can affect stride timing.

• Rider error - Novice, imbalanced, or riders who fail to collect their horse during work will increase the likelihood of forging in a horse already prone to it.

• Young or unfit horses – Lack of coordination and muscle development can lead to forging.

  
  

What is the difference between forging and overreaching?

Forging involves the hind toe hitting the bottom of the front foot or shoe, usually causing a sound but not injury.

Overreaching, on the other hand, is more severe—it occurs when the hind hoof strikes the heel, pastern, or coronary band of the front foot, often resulting in bruising, laceration, or pulled shoes.

Key difference:

• Forging = toe to toe contact (mostly auditory)

• Overreaching = hind hoof strikes soft tissue or heel (often injurious)

  
  

Is forging harmful to the horse?

Forging is not immediately harmful but indicates an imbalance or inefficiency in the horse’s gait. If left unaddressed, it can:

• Lead to excessive hoof wear

• Cause shoe damage or loss

• Signal underlying lameness or fatigue

• Increase the risk of injury over time

Early correction is advised to avoid long-term consequences.

How do you diagnose forging in horses?

To diagnose forging:

• Listen for the clicking sound when the horse moves.

• Observe the horse on a flat surface, ideally at the trot, where forging is most noticeable.

• Check for toe wear or marks on front shoes.

• Use slow-motion video or gait analysis for detailed evaluation.

• Have a farrier or vet examine hoof balance and limb conformation.

  
  

How can forging be corrected?

1. Farrier Solutions

• Ensure the front feet are mapped and trimmed to allow for correct breakover.

• Rolled-toe shoes can help bring breakover further back if necessary.

• Increase traction behind.

• Maintain a regular trimming cycle.

  
  

2. Training Adjustments

• Improve hind end engagement and strength.

• Incorporate hill work, cavaletti, and gymnastic exercises.

• Avoid excessive speed without balance or collection.

  
  

3. Health & Fitness

• Keep horses properly conditioned to reduce fatigue-related forging.

• Evaluate for pain or musculoskeletal issues.

• Work with a veterinarian for neurological or lameness exams, if needed.

  
  

Can forging be prevented?

Yes, forging can often be prevented or minimized through:

• Balanced farrier care every 4–6 weeks

• Proper conditioning and muscle development

• Good riding practices that promote engagement and rhythm

• Watching for early signs of gait irregularity or fatigue

  
  

What type of horses are most prone to forging?

Horses that are most prone to forging include:

• Young, growing horses (due to coordination issues)

• Horses with long hind legs or short backs

• Gaited breeds with exaggerated motion

• Horses that are out of shape or tired

• Horses with improper hoof angles

  
  

Should I call a vet or a farrier for forging?

Start with a farrier, as most cases of forging are related to hoof balance and timing. If the issue does not improve with proper trimming and shoeing, or if you suspect pain, neurological issues, or lameness, then consult a veterinarian.

Can shoeing fix forging?

Corrective shoeing can help with forging, but it will only work if paired with good riding practices. Some corrective methods include:

• Rolling the front toes

• Adjusting angles to optimize timing

• Using lighter materials or synthetic shoes

• Increasing traction behind

SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ

Instructions:

• Choose the correct answer for each multiple-choice and true/false question.

• Provide a brief explanation or response for each short-answer question.

• When finished, check your answers against the key at the end.

Part 1: Multiple Choice (Select the best answer)

1. What is forging in horses?

A) A delay in hind limb movement during the canter

B) The toe of the hind hoof striking the bottom of the front hoof or shoe

C) The hind hoof striking the pastern of the opposite front leg

D) Uneven limb movement due to neurological issues

2. Forging typically occurs during which phase of the stride?

A) Impact phase

B) Breakover phase

C) Swing phase

D) Stance phase

3. What is a common audible indicator of forging?

A) A dull thud

B) A high-pitched whinny

C) A metallic clicking sound

D) A steady rhythmic shuffle

4. Which of the following conformational traits is most likely to contribute to forging?

A) Upright pasterns and short cannon bones

B) Long hind limbs and a short back

C) Long, upright neck and narrow chest

D) Deep chest and flat withers

5. What farrier strategy helps correct forging?

A) Applying heavier shoes to the hind feet

B) Raising hind heels and lowering front heels

C) Shortening the toe and raising the heel on the front feet

D) Letting the hooves grow out for longer intervals

Part 2: True or False

6. ____ Forging is the same as overreaching and causes injury to the pastern.

7. ____ Young or unfit horses are more likely to forge due to poor coordination.

8. ____ Fatigue in a horse can contribute to the occurrence of forging.

9. ____ Overreaching typically makes a quieter sound than forging.

10. ____ Regular conditioning and strength training have no effect on forging.

Part 3: Short Answer

11. Describe the main difference between forging and overreaching.

12. What role does fatigue play in forging, and why is this especially important to consider in training?

13. Name at least two training exercises that may help reduce forging in horses.

14. Why is early intervention important in managing forging?

15. When should a veterinarian be consulted about forging, as opposed to a farrier?

Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. B – Forging is when the toe of the hind hoof strikes the underside or shoe of the front hoof.

2. C – It occurs during the swing phase, just before the front foot lifts off.

3. C – A metallic clicking or clinking sound is a hallmark of forging.

4. B – Long hind limbs and a short back can cause timing imbalances between front and hind limbs.

5. C – Shortening the front toe and raising the heel helps the front foot break over faster.

   
   

True or False

6. False – Overreaching involves contact with the pastern or heel, not the bottom of the hoof.

7. True – Young or unfit horses often lack the coordination to maintain proper stride timing.

8. True – Fatigue slows the front limb lift, making forging more likely.

9. False – Forging usually produces a distinctive metal-on-metal sound; overreaching can be quieter but more damaging.

10. False – Conditioning and strength work are important for correcting gait and improving coordination.

    
    

Short Answer

11. Forging is when the hind toe hits the bottom or shoe of the front hoof; overreaching is when the hind foot strikes the pastern, heel, or coronet band—often causing injury.

12. Fatigue causes horses to lift their front legs more slowly, increasing the chance the hind foot will catch up and strike the front. It’s important to monitor for forging during long sessions or when a horse is unfit.

13. Examples include hill work, cavaletti training, and gymnastic pole exercises—which help improve coordination, rhythm, and hindquarter strength.

14. Early intervention prevents excessive wear, repeated shoe loss, and the development of compensatory movement patterns or injuries.

15. A veterinarian should be consulted if forging persists despite correct trimming/shoeing, or if there are signs of neurological issues, lameness, or back pain that may contribute to improper timing.