What shoes can help with interference and brushing?

• A. Regular straight toe shoe
• B. Boots only
• C. Lateral extension shoe, square toe, trailer
• D. Heel wedge shoe

Answer: (C)

Interference and brushing happen when the hoof doesn’t track straight and the toe breaks over in a way that can swing into or brush the opposite limb. The right shoe design can guide the hoof’s path, slow the toe motion, and change where the foot lands so the leg tracks more cleanly.

A lateral extension shoe widens the hoof’s lateral footprint, helping steer the foot to track more evenly and reducing side-to-side drift that can cause brushing. A square toe changes the shape of the toe so breakover happens more evenly rather than as a pointed, rapid impulse, which slows and smooths the foot’s rotation. A trailer extends behind the toe and alters leverage and breakover timing, further reducing a harsh toe-down swing that can lead to interference with the other limb.

This combination directly adjusts track, breakover, and leverage to minimize the chance of the hoof contacting or brushing the opposite leg, making it the best choice for addressing interference and brushing.