An interesting article in The Horses showing the connection between long toes and pain in the gluteal muscles. The researchers have shown that by reducing the breakover in the hind toes of a horse, it can reduce the pain reaction to palpation in the gluteal muscles.
Better break over means less work for locomotion. Less work equals less force needed from the hindquarters, less force means less contraction by the glutes, giving them time to rest and heal. Excellent!