How does Natural Balance assist with a heel first landing?
First, it assures the foot leaves the ground in optimal timing according to where the leg is. That allows the horse to reach his full length of stride, which allows a heel first landing. If the foot is delayed getting off the ground, the horses body is too far forward by that moment and he has to automatically compensate and shorten the stride and may land toe first. Second, keeping the heels shorter and allowing frog support helps with proprioception. Proprioception is a neurological function that helps with movement. There are special receptors in the heel area above the frog that are part of that system. So if the frog can be contacting the ground it helps the horse reach forward and get the frog to the ground first. Also simply keeping the heels properly prepared and the breakover point in an optimal position helps avoid caudal foot pain or heel pain from distortion or stress in the coffin joint area. If the horse is not pain free in the rear of his foot, he will be more likely to
