Forging in horses is defined as which of the following?

• A. Front hoof strikes the hind heel
• B. Hind foot slips behind front foot
• C. Toe of the front foot strikes the heel of the hind shoe
• D. Toe of the hind foot strikes the heel of the front shoe

Answer: (D)

Forging happens when the hind hoof comes forward enough to strike the front hoof, most often the toe of the hind foot hitting the heel of the front shoe. That makes the description about the toe of the hind foot striking the heel of the front shoe the best match. The other patterns describe different foot interactions (front hoof hitting the hind foot, or the hind foot landing behind the front foot), which are not forge events. Forging can lead to discomfort or injury in the front limb and is something to watch for in gait analysis and shoeing adjustments.