Pigeon Toed Protocol

Pigeon Toed Protocol
(For horses and foals with medial (inward) rotation of the front
feet/legs—commonly called “pigeon toed”)
Protocol:
● Begin with the Basics course to learn proper tape handling, stretch, and
technique.
● For healthcare professionals, we recommend the OIO Biomechanics Course
for advanced corrective strategies.
Kinesiology Modality:
● There is currently no EquiTecs video that fully addresses this issue;
however, science suggests pigeon toed conformation can be related to a type
of contracted tendon.
● Use the Contracted Tendon application (Lower Leg Module) as
demonstrated for contracted tendons.
Biomechanics Approach (OIO Method):
● Use a 2" piece of OIO tape.
● Start at the medial toe (on the hoof wall).
● Apply tape toward the lateral side of the fetlock using moderate stretch.
● Wrap circumferentially around the leg in an upward diagonal.
● Apply no stretch from lateral to medial, and moderate stretch from medial to
lateral.
● Begin this application as soon as the foal is born. If the horse is older but
still growing, use the same protocol (it will just take longer). For adults,

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alternate between the Contracted Tendon protocol and the biomechanics
protocol.
● Once corrected, reapply the application during every growth spurt until the
horse is fully grown. For adults, keep the application on for 3–6 months after
full correction to ensure the muscle/tendon memory does not cause
reversion.

Tape Type:
● OIO 2" (Biomechanics protocol)
● Advantage 2" (Contracted Tendon protocol)
● Advantage 3" (for Contracted Tendon protocol and Circulation if swelling or
severe contracture is present)
When to Use:
● For foals or horses with pigeon-toed conformation (medial rotation of the
front feet/legs)
● As soon as the foal is born, or at any age when pigeon-toed posture is
identified
● As part of a corrective plan alongside veterinary, farrier, and nutritional
support
How Long to Tape:
● For foals and growing horses, keep the application on until the limb is
corrected. Reapply as needed if tape becomes loose or loses recoil.
● For adults, alternate between the Contracted Tendon protocol and
biomechanics protocol for 3–6 months after correction.
● For all ages, reapply during each growth spurt or if deviation returns.

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For Chronic or Severe Cases:
● Alternate between the Contracted Tendon protocol and the OIO
biomechanics protocol.
● Use Circulation application (Advantage 3") if swelling, heat, or severe
contracture is present.
● Coordinate with your veterinarian and farrier for ongoing assessment.
Pigeon Toed Management Note:
● Add magnesium to the horse’s minerals to help relax tendons and muscles.
● Maximize turnout—more movement accelerates correction.
● For foals, avoid forced exercise.
● For older horses, use controlled PT in deeper ground (cultivated arena or
sand), only for short spurts and at a walk or slow trot as improvement
occurs.
● Changing biomechanics can cause discomfort—take it slow and listen to
your horse. If they seem uncomfortable, reduce PT and allow them to move
at their own speed.
● Once corrected, reapply the application during every growth spurt until full
growth is achieved; for adults, maintain the application for 3–6 months after
correction.
● Document response to taping and adjust protocols as needed.
Clinical Reasoning:
These protocols use gentle biomechanical traction and support to gradually realign
the limb, reduce abnormal tension, and retrain muscle and tendon memory.
Magnesium supplementation, abundant turnout, and gradual PT further support the
correction process. Consistent application during growth phases and after

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correction helps prevent recurrence. Always work in conjunction with veterinary
and farrier guidance for best results.