Learned that the hard way too. I just started doing a visual check on the line before the final pull now.

Huh, that's a really good point about nail length and balance. So if a shorter nail lets the shoe sit closer, does that mean you're basically changing the shoe's pitch without actually bending it? I'm curious how you decide on the right length for a specific hoof.

Tell me about it, @king.aaron. My whole stash is now suspect.