Long Toe Low Heel Syndrome (LTLH) is a very common problem. What it means is that the toe of the hoof has grown longer than it should and the heel has been pulled forward along with it. Due to this problem, the hoof has different stressors placed on it. This configuration of the hoof does not cause all horses to be lame, but it will affect the skeleton and muscles of the body, the internal structures of the hoof, and the leg above. This will lead to a horse being more susceptible to chronic joint issues, tendon injuries, fetlock and knee issues, quarter cracks, and navicular disease. All this stress on the foot can lead to changes that can be very difficult to remedy.

Why does LTLH occur so regularly? Incorrect trimming and shoeing contributes to the problem, particularly on a hoof that is already prone to LTLH. If each time the hoof is trimmed the toe is left long, the foot will then change to that particular configuration. The horse's balance will be affected and the heels will begin to receive more pressure than they should. This will create circulation problems in the hoof which in turn will restrict growth in the heel which can collapse while the toe grows longer.

Until now, to help a horse with the LTLH syndrome there were only so many ways to try and minimize the damage that had occurred. The center of balance horseshoeing method, and the Center of Balance Indicating Tool are solutions to this condition. The COBIT allows one to find the center of balance on the horse's foot which in turn finds the correct breakover. Having the correct breakover then allows the horse to stand with its legs underneath itself, to balance properly with its weight distributed properly on its feet.   Once this is accomplished the horse will begin to feel better. The changes as a result of finding the center of balance will affect the whole body including the skeletal system and the muscles.  Once the hoof is centered around the center of balance, the foot will grow straighter, and circulation in the hoof will increase which will bring the nutrients back into it. This is not a problem that will be fixed immediately and could take a long time. There should be a difference in the horse within 2 to 3 trims/shoeing. It is important to have a regular schedule of trimming/shoeing using the COBIT. You will continue to see the effects of the application of the Center of Balance Horseshoeing Method and the COBIT for a long time.

This solution for LTLH was discovered when researching the Center of Balance Horseshoeing Method guided by the COBIT.