What does it mean when the hind foot's toe hits the sole area of the forefoot on the same side?

When the hind foot's toe contacts the sole area of the forefoot on the same side, this is referred to as forging. This gait characteristic typically occurs when a horse has an overreaching stride, and the hind shoe strikes the underside of the forefoot, usually in a forward motion. This can happen when the horse is driven to move forward rapidly and the hind legs take a longer stride than typical, resulting in the back foot inadvertently colliding with the front foot.

Forging can lead to wear on the hooves and may cause discomfort or even injury over time if not addressed. Understanding this concept is crucial for evaluating a horse's movement and overall soundness, especially in contexts where performance and the health of the horse's limbs are number one priorities. The other terms listed refer to different gait abnormalities or issues; for example, overreaching involves the hind foot stepping beyond the footprint of the front foot without necessarily impacting the sole.