Contracted heels are a problem most commonly seen in the front feet. The hoof begins to narrow toward the heel, reducing the contact of the frog with the ground (Landers, 2011). Improper shoeing or poor conformation are the main causes of this problem. In a recent study, Thoroughbred racehorses were tested to determine if a “reduction in hoof angle […] during gallop training” could impact the hoof shape or cause contracted heels (Decurnex, Anderson, and Davies, 2009). “However, it was not clear from this work if other measurable parameters of hoof shape also changed in association with the change in angle” (Decurnex, Anderson, and Davies, 2009). If a horse has this problem, the entire hoof will appear brittle and the frog will appear as if it is pinched between the heels. Due to this narrowing, a horse will be more prone to thrush because as the heel narrows, the collateral grooves around the frog become deeper and more easily trap moisture (Landers, 2011). Corrective trimming or shoeing can treat this problem, as there are specific shoes that help to spread the heels apart (Landers, 2011). Proper trimming and shoeing can also be considered the preventative measures for this type of problem.