What may indicate that a shoe is not fitting properly?

A shoe that seems twisted on the foot is a clear indicator of improper fit. When a shoe is not aligned correctly on the hoof, it can cause discomfort and disrupt the natural movement of the horse. This misalignment can lead to uneven weight distribution, which may result in lameness or other hoof-related issues.

In contrast, other factors mentioned don’t necessarily relate to a shoe’s fit. For instance, a hoof growing faster than normal may point to nutritional or health factors rather than shoe fit. Unusual behavior from the pony that appears to be positive could mislead one into thinking the pony is comfortable, even if the shoe fit is problematic. Lastly, a hoof coated in mud is a common occurrence that does not provide reliable information about whether a shoe fits properly; it merely indicates environmental conditions. Thus, the visible twist of the shoe directly links to the fit and health of the pony’s hoof.