
01/07/2025
๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ค - ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐?
An overtrack, where the hind feet track noticeably further than the forefeet, is looked at as a desirable trait when assessing a horseโs movement, also used as an indicator of a high quality gait during a dressage testโฆ
โฆbut are we looking at the full picture?
Overtracking can be a sign of power, hind engagement and swing through body, HOWEVER it should not be confused with over reaching.
Overreaching indicates dysfunction, sometimes the fore heels are clipped by the hind feet.
There may be several factors at play, a lack of hind engagement meaning the hinds lack true reach to support the centre of mass and the fore limbs must come further back to provide this support, weak or atrophied forehand muscles which drop the chest and prevent the horse from lifting adequately or a poorly performing recoil system - the tendons and ligaments of the lower limb are not strong or functioning well enough to propel the fore legs.
Itโs so important that in any aspect of training and movement we look at the whole horse and realise it is never black and white which inevitably makes our job more challenging.
In my clinics and events I dive deeper into many of the common concepts that might not be quite as black and white as you might think!
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