Toe-flipping: a collection of thoughts from the masters

This wisdom is compiled by Iceryder, go to her web page for the full scoop...

clipped from iceryder.net

The Flipping Up of the Front Foot

This is a fault caused by a loss of correct connection from back to front. It is usually the result of tension somewhere in the topline. It can occur when
the horse is held BTV (behind the vertical) or when his head is held up, such as in star-gazing. The loss of freedom to
stretch the neck makes the horse hollow at the base of the neck or back and
the resulting tension tightens the underneck muscles which continues down
the front of the leg, therefore there is little bend in the knee resulting in the toe flick.

Lendon Gray says that horses that flick their
toes often have tightness in their body somewhere and more extravagant
movement in front (than behind) to start with. It can be an indication that
the horse has been pushed for a greater lengthening than he is capable of
giving.