Which conformation increases the likelihood of crossfiring?

• A. Toed out, base wide on fronts and toe in, base narrow on hind
• B. Toed in, base narrow on fronts and toe out, base wide on hind
• C. Toed out, base narrow on fronts and toe out, base wide on hind
• D. Toed in, base wide on fronts and toe in, base narrow on hind

Answer: (A)

A horse is most likely to crossfire when the hind hoof tracks cross the path of the front hoof, causing the hind foot to strike the front foot as it lands. This tendency increases when the front feet are set wide and toe outward, while the hind feet are inclined inward with a narrow base. When the fronts toe outward and spread apart, their tracks move away from the midline; when the hind feet toe inward and stay close to the midline, their tracks move toward the center. That combination makes the hind hoof swing inward and cross over the fore hoof’s path, increasing the chance of crossfire.

If the hind feet toe outward or both sets share the same toe direction, or if base widths move the tracks in a way that keeps the hind feet from crossing in front of the fore feet, crossfire is less likely.