Under-run Heels
Under-run Heels in Horses
Under-run heels occur when the heel grows forward under the foot instead of growing down vertically. This creates a weak, collapsed heel structure that can lead to lameness and other hoof problems.
What Are Under-run Heels?
In a healthy hoof, the heel should grow straight down, providing strong support. With under-run heels, the heel angle is too low and grows forward, creating instability and putting abnormal stress on tendons and ligaments.
Common Causes
- Long toe, low heel conformation
- Improper trimming
- Genetic predisposition
- Lack of regular hoof care
- Poor hoof balance
Signs of Under-run Heels
- Heels that appear to slope forward
- Crushed or collapsed heel structure
- Chronic lameness
- Sensitivity in the heel area
- Difficulty maintaining shoes
How We Can Help
Under-run heels can make every step uncomfortable for your horse — and that discomfort often leads to bigger issues down the road. That’s where The Black Pads come in.
For horses with slightly under-run heels, we recommend our original Black Pads. If your horse needs extra help, our PLUS Pads are the next step up. They include integrated rare-earth neodymium magnets and copper to help boost circulation and reduce inflammation — key for keeping those heels healthy.
When the heels are sore, horses naturally try to land anywhere but on them, which only creates more problems. Our pads are designed to fix that. The cleat portion replaces the hard, rigid heel area with a wide-webbed, impact-absorbing design that cushions exactly where it’s needed most — under the heels. The result? Unparalleled comfort and the confidence to land correctly.
For even more support, our new Magnet Bell Boots can help enhance circulation and further reduce inflammation.