A hind foot toe contacting the heel of the front foot describes which condition?

• A. Lead change
• B. Forging
• C. Cross-firing
• D. Overreaching

Answer: (D)

Overreaching is when the hind hoof reaches forward enough to contact the front hoof, usually the heel area rather than the toe. When the hind foot toe strikes the heel of the front foot, that’s a classic example of overreaching because the contact is at the rear portion of the front hoof, not the toe. Forging would involve the hind hoof hitting the front hoof’s toe, not the heel, and lead changes or cross-firing describe different gait/footing patterns. Overreaching can pose a risk to the front leg and is common with certain hoof shapes or movement patterns.