Horse Overreaching or Forging | Causes, Risks, and Rider Checks
Stride Timing And Safety

Horse Overreaching Or Forging. Why They Hit Their Own Feet

When your horse starts clipping front heels with hind feet or you hear a sharp forged step under saddle, it can be alarming. Overreaching and forging are timing and coordination problems that can be made worse by fatigue, balance issues, hoof balance, or body tension. This guide explains what is really happening, what to check, and how riders can support safer, more balanced movement.

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What You Are Hearing And Feeling

What Overreaching And Forging Actually Are

Overreaching happens when the hind hoof comes forward and hits the heel or back of the front hoof before the front hoof has left the ground enough. Forging usually refers to the sound of the hind toe hitting the front shoe or hoof as it breaks over.

Both are about timing, stride length, and balance. The hind feet are catching up to or overtaking the front feet in a way that is not coordinated.

A powerful hind end with a restricted front end, weak balance, or tired body is the usual recipe for overreaching and forging.
Why It Happens

Common Causes Of Overreaching And Forging

There is rarely a single cause. Consider these common contributors:

  • Hoof balance and trim, especially long toes and low heels in front.
  • Weakness or fatigue that makes the front end slow to leave the ground.
  • Back or shoulder tension that shortens the front stride.
  • Over energetic hind end pushing without enough lift through the body.
  • Rider rhythm that encourages rushing instead of balanced steps.

Sometimes the horse is simply moving in a way that no longer matches the trim or shoeing pattern they have.

Real Rider Routine

A Simple Three Step Plan For Mild, Vet Cleared Overreaching

This routine is for horses your vet and farrier have evaluated and cleared for continued conditioning while trim, fit, or comfort plans are in place.

Step 1

Dial In Rhythm And Balance

Prioritize a steady tempo over speed. Ride with a metronome in your head or use arena markers to maintain equal stride timing. Rushing often makes forging worse.

Step 2

Build Strength Without Drilling

Use shorter, quality sets rather than long, sloppy ones. Focus on transitions, gentle hill work, and poles that help your horse lift through the shoulder instead of dragging the front toes.

Step 3

Support The Body That Keeps The Rhythm

Make a comfort routine part of every week. The less your horse is fighting tension or soreness, the easier it is for them to coordinate both ends of the stride.

Relates to your horse. A body that feels better gives your horse more mental space to match your rhythm and stay upright.
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Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® With Overreaching Or Forging Horses

Draw It Out® products are not a fix for trim, shoeing, or neurological issues. Riders use them to support muscle and soft tissue comfort so horses can coordinate strides with less physical resistance.

  • Draw It Out® 16 ounce Gel on the back, loins, and shoulders before and after schooling sessions.
  • Draw It Out® Concentrate as a spray over major muscle groups after harder work, especially when building fitness.
  • CryoSpray Cooling Body Brace for targeted cooling on key areas after intense work, when approved by your veterinarian or body worker.
  • MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue spots that your vet or body worker identifies as needing extra attention.

Ask your veterinarian and farrier where a comfort routine fits in your horse’s overreaching or forging management plan.

Horse Overreaching Or Forging — FAQ

Why is my horse overreaching or forging

Overreaching and forging usually happen when the hind feet catch up to the front feet because of long toes, timing issues, fatigue, restricted front end motion, or a combination of these. It is often a balance and coordination problem, not just clumsiness.

Is forging dangerous for my horse

It can be. Repeatedly hitting the front heels can cause bruising, pulled shoes, or falls in extreme cases. That is why it is important to involve your vet and farrier to find the cause and reduce the risk.

Will bell boots fix overreaching

Bell boots can protect the heels and shoes from damage, but they do not address the underlying cause. They are a bandage, not a complete answer.

Can exercises help reduce overreaching

With appropriate vet and farrier guidance, exercises that improve balance, rhythm, and strength can help. Focus on steady tempo, better posture, and controlled conditioning rather than speed.

How does Draw It Out® fit into an overreaching horse plan

Draw It Out® products support comfort in muscles and soft tissue, making it easier for horses to coordinate their stride and respond positively to conditioning and hoof care changes.

This guide is for education and does not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a veterinarian or qualified professional. If your horse is forging or overreaching frequently, contact your vet and farrier.

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