What is it called when the hind foot's toe catches the forefoot on the same side at the heel?

The phenomenon where a hind foot's toe catches the forefoot on the same side at the heel is known as overreaching. This typically occurs when a horse's hind leg extends forward and strikes the heel of the front foot on the same side, resulting in an injury or a mark on the front hoof. Overreaching is often associated with an overstride in the horse’s gait, particularly in horses that are moving quickly or are not properly balanced. Understanding this kind of gait issue can help with proper training and shoeing practices to minimize the risk of injury.

Forging, on the other hand, refers to the toes of the hind feet striking the front feet, which is a different type of interference. Scalping involves the front hoof hitting the back of the front leg, and cross-firing is a situation seen more in pacers, where a hind foot hits the opposite front foot. Each of these terms describes different types of interference that can occur during a horse's movement, highlighting the importance of recognizing the specific mechanics of a horse’s gait for better management and training.