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Body Posture

Body-PostureMost of the day is spent in nature in the grazing position, therefore head-low, with the center of gravity forward and the forehand bearing most of the weight. A horse who lives with the head down has more weight on the toe, and the toe wall is thicker (PicA).

Shoulder-forearm and heel to ground angle is larger than in a horse who has the head up (PicB). A horse who lives a lot with his head up, like most horses in a stall do, has more weight on the heel, and this creates underslung heels.

Forces acting on a hoof when the horse has the head down (left) Forces acting on the hoof with the head up (right)
Forces acting on a hoof when the horse has the head down (left)
Forces acting on the hoof with the head up (right)