[IvySteele]

My mare drags her back feet when she is grazing. She has flattened the front of her back hooves. She only drags the back ones and she doesn't do it when I'm riding. Is this just because she is a little on the lazy side? She doesn't drag her feet when she goes to walk to a new location to eat... she only does it when she has her head down grazing. Any ideas? Thanks!
She travels with her nose practically on the ground 50% of the time when she is just walking around (moving here and there) but she doesn't drag her hindfeet when she walks. She only does this when she grazes. She also has a head down cue where she puts her nose on the ground and walks around but she doesn't drag her feet.

[Alty]

Have you discussed this with a vet?

Sadly we really can't tell you what's going on. It's really best to have this looked at by a vet, just to rule out something serious.

Good luck, and we love pictures. :)

[Lucky098]

More then likely she is being lazy. But you should take this concern up with your farrier. If there is any type of lameness or issues with the foot, the farrier will be able to tell you.

[maddy308]

There can be a few reasons.. like what lucky098 said she may be lazy. But she could also be lame. Clean her hoof out with a hoof pick and see if there's any rocks sharp objects etc in there. Also run your hand all the way down that leg if it is sore for her she may have pulled a muscle or injured a tendon. If she seems in pain call a vet

[Wondergirl]

When she grazes, her head is down and her jaws are moving. Something might be going on with her nervous system. I agree that your vet and/or farrier should watch her and check her hind legs. Would you consider using the services of an equine masseur or even a large animal chiropractor (depending on what the vet/farrier says)? If it's a bad habit, this could impact on her in other ways later.

[Dysenchanted]

I think if she had a medical problem she would drag her feet during other activities. She's probably just being lazy and doesn't realize it. Just what it sounds like to me.