When A Horse Oversteps

Overstepping (or overreaching) is when a horse's front legs drag momentarily while running, and the back legs
reach up and clip the back of the front hoof. This is most common in long legged or short-backed horses.
Terrain also plays a part in this. Thick soil or sand can cause the front hooves to briefly "stick", causing the
back hooves to clip the front.

What can result from this is the back leg clipping the front and pulling the shoe halfway off, and bruises and
lacerations to the heel bulbs.

Bell Boots are a good way to prevent this. They also serve as a protective measure if the horse is already
injured and you have cleaned and dressed the wound.