It is common in dealing with a horse with long-toe, underrun, or low-heel conformation to focus too much on the heel. The point of break-over for your horse has to be moved back so it is directly under the front of the coffin bone. This is extremely important because often it isn't the low heels that are the problem, but the leverage created by the point of the toe. The horse has to be able to get over that toe easily, without resistance. Therefore, you need to engage the frog to assist in support of the foot and get the heels bearing weight so growth is promoted. It is also important to get the hoof-pastern axis back to normal. When you trim the hoof, only trim the front part of the hoof. Basically, you are going to rasp the toe from the midpoint forward. Leave as much sole as possible. It is important to leave as much of the heel intact as possible. You probably wouldn't even rasp any on the heel. The frog should be at the same level as the heels so that the weight is distributed evenly. Put a natural, balanced-center pitch shoe on the hoof. The shoe should be set back from the front of the toe. This shoe will move the break-over point of the hoof back. This will cause the heel to carry a little more weight and regenerate a little so the horse will have a little more heel. When the shoe is fitted, cut the Castle frog support wedge pad to fit. The frog pad should be at the same level as the shoe, so when the horse walks, pressure is placed on the frog. The frog bearing some of the weight will aid in rehabilitating the heels, due to the fact the heels won't have to carry the entire weight of the horse.
It is important that you work with an experienced farrier to make the necessary adjustments.
