by Dave Farley, APF CF
There are times when improving breakover is helpful, beneficial or necessary. The three main reasons or factors I personally choose for one of the two modifications are conformation, footing and rider skills.
A conformational reason to choose either of these modifications would be a longer than normal pastern and/or negative palmar hoof angle (low heels).
Another reason is environmental issues. With the introduction of synthetic footings to the equine industry, traction of the horse’s feet have increased tremendously. Some horses adjust quickly to synthetics while others have symptoms of stumbling and knuckling of the pasterns and or knees. In some instances, horses also experience these problems in the hind limbs. This stumbling or knuckling would be improved with the modifications.
Negative conformation and abrasive footings are enough reason for safety concerns. However, I occasionally choose these modifications for riders, especially amateurs who have a tendency to ride in a more forward position using the reins to balance and not sitting correctly. This too can cause a horse to stumble or trip, especially when the footing is abrasive.
These three reasons are important and after several applications (shoeing cycles) some weak, crushed or low heels may improve. If you find improvement in the heel quality or increased angle and improved hoof pastern alignment, you may be able to eliminate the modification and return to a normal shoe application.
Rolled Toe before clean up. 
Lateral view of rolled toe. 
Sight roll/bevel put in with grinder. 
Rocker Toe
When I’m asked to give a horse a little extra break over, I always start with a slight rolled toe, like the roll on the first pictures. If the rider then says that movement has improved, but didn’t help or eliminate the stumbling, I roll the toe back further, as far as necessary. Sometimes back to the second nail hole.
There are times when you will need to consider a rocker toe first instead of a rolled toe.
- When there is extreme negative palmar angle and a long toe.
- A horse is bilaterally (both feet) stumbling.
- Lameness is diagnosed and you are included in the decision to rocker first instead of roll.
For all three of these instances to rocker, the horse’s caretakers and riders should be advised to allow the horse ample time to adjust to the changes before returning to work.
Enhanced breakover of Rocker Toe. 
Rocker Toe on foot.
A rocker toe is a way to increase break over as much as possible without squaring the toe. Although it is possible to square the toe and rocker it at the same time, I personally believe that “if” there is enough sole depth, one can rocker the toe back as far back as you can roll it. I do this modification in the extreme low negative angle conformation feet.
One other note – many times a rolled toe or rocker toe is applied to a hoof that has contracted or under-run heels. I always scotch the heels to encourage the heels to widen and/or correct the heel angle. n
