Theory of coffin bone palmar/plantar angle.

The tension of the DDFT is regulated by the *brain* of the horse as a protective and reactionary measure.

Tension of the DDFT muscular unit determines palmar/plantar angle.

The horse is seeking to either protect itself from pain and damage and or is attempting to maximize efficiency in moving its mass from point A to point B over the ground.

Example: over hard ground the horse lengthens the DDFT to reduce the impact of ground reaction forces.  Over soft ground the horse shortens the DDFT to increase tone to be able to propel its mass forward. Pain= a shortened DDFT to produce the braced gait necessary to protect the limb.

Solution for a negative palmar P3- reduce the need for the horse to lengthen the DDFT.

How?  1- Utilize a shoeing package that mimics soft ground vs hard ground.  Frog support and impression packing 2- Reduce the lever of the toe wall to engage the DDFT in motion.

Solutions for a too steep palmar angle-   Utilize a shoeing package that protects the hoof from the ground, primarily the sole.  A stiff pad/frog support pad with super soft impression material.  Do not reduce the leverage of the toe wall beyond what would be considered "normal".