What is sheared heels?

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Sheared heels mean the heels are displaced upward relative to the rest of the hoof. In a normal hoof, the heels sit level and contact the ground evenly; when shearing occurs, the posterior part of the hoof lifts up, making the heel edge appear higher and the hoof tilted. This imbalance often stems from improper trimming or shoeing and can alter how load is distributed across the hoof, potentially leading to discomfort or lameness. The other options describe different situations—heels lower than normal, the toe tipping inward, or thickened sole—none of which match the upward displacement implied by “sheared heels.”