Horse Hoof Problems: Treatment & Prevention

What is a lost shoe?

A lost shoe is when a shod horse pulls one (or more) of their shoes off. While it's simple to spot a missing shoe, it can be frustrating when this becomes a common occurrence. There are many reasons why your horse might have a problem keeping shoes on, one being moisture changes in the environment. As the hooves expand and contract, the shoe could loosen, making it more susceptible to being pulled off. A horse's conformation and natural balance also play a role in their ability to keep shoes on, as some horses travel in a way that causes them to grab their front shoes with the hind feet, also known as overreaching.

Prevention:

Try to keep your horse out of the mud to avoid their shoes getting suctioned off their feet. If they seem to lose shoes because their feet are brittle, you can try a hoof supplement to encourage strength or use a hoof dressing to increase moisture and strength. If they step on themselves, try using bell boots, either in their house, when you're riding, or all the time.

Treatment:

A lost shoe warrants a call to your farrier. While you are waiting for your farrier to make it out, try to keep the foot wrapped or in a hoof boot so the wall doesn't become damaged. If your horse doesn't like hoof boots, it can be helpful to keep them in an area that is friendlier on their sole, like a stall rather than a pasture or paddock.

What is a Hot Nail?

When we chatted to Stevie about hot nails (also called a nail bind, nail prick, or hot foot), she provided us with this valuable insight. Stevie explains that "a hot nail occurs when a horseshoe nail is driven too close to or directly into the sensitive inner tissue of the hoof wall during shoeing. It's one of the most common post-shoeing complications, and it can range from mild discomfort to serious infection if not caught early."

She also went on to explain that there are two types of hot nails. The first, a nail bind, occurs when the nail is driven close to the sensitive laminae and presses against it without penetrating. A nail bind causes pain and lameness without creating a direct wound. A nail prick is when the nail actually enters the sensitive tissue. This is more serious and carries a risk of infection.

Signs to Watch For:

Stevie shares that signs that your horse may have a hot nail usually show up within 24-72 hours of shoeing. Keep an eye out for any sudden lameness or "pottery" movements from your horse after they've been shod. It's a good idea to check for any heat in the hoof, especially around the nail clinches. You'll want to check for a strong digital pulse in the affected leg, and look for any flinching or pulling away when pressure is applied near a certain nail. More advanced cases may even exhibit swelling at or above the coronary band.

Treatment:

If you suspect that your horse has a hot nail, Stevie recommends calling your farrier immediately and describing when the lameness started relative to the shoeing appointment. It's important not to ride the horse! When your farrier arrives, they will use hoof testers to localize the painful nail, then remove it. If the nail penetrated sensitive tissue, she stresses that your vet should also be called, as tetanus risk is real and antibiotics may be needed. While you wait for your farrier or vet, soaking the hoof in warm Epsom salt water can help draw out any early infection. Thankfully, most nail binds resolve quickly once the offending nail is removed. Nail pricks will require closer monitoring.

What are hoof wall cracks?

While hoof cracks are often cosmetic, it's important to distinguish when they could be a serious issue. The severity of this hoof problem can be determined by the type, location, and depth of the crack. Hoof cracks that are so deep or long that they compromise the stability of the hoof wall are cause for concern. Cracks that originate at the coronary band can affect the growth of new hoof and should be addressed in a timely manner. Finally, if you notice blood coming from the hoof crack or lameness related to it, you should contact your farrier or vet as soon as possible.

Prevention:

There are many causes of hoof cracks, including injury or disease that weakens the hoof wall, poor hoof conformation, abnormal forces on the hoof, as well as environmental factors. Ideally, try to catch the problem in its early stages. Make a habit of looking for changes in your horse's hooves on a regular basis and stay on a schedule with your farrier to combat hoof issues before they begin. If you find that your horse tends to have weak, shelly hooves, you can use a hoof conditioner or try a hoof supplement to prevent cracks.

Treatment:

If you notice a crack starting to form, you should talk to your farrier and come up with a plan. While minor cases of hoof wall cracks can be solved in one or two trims, more severe cases might require veterinary attention.

What are bruises on the horse's hoof sole?

Pressure or direct trauma to the underside of the hoof can cause the small blood vessels in the sole to rupture, leading to inflammation and pain in your horse's foot. Sole bruises can be caused by something as simple as stepping on a rock or traversing uneven ground. In muddy climates, the hoof softens due to moisture, making it more prone to bruises. Depending on the extent of the bruising, your horse may experience mild to severe lameness.

Prevention:

If your horse has thin soles or if you often ride on rocky ground, you should talk to your farrier about options for protecting your horse's feet, such as pads or special shoes. In wet environments, you can try a hoof hardener to toughen the sole. Picking out your horse's hooves can remove rocks and other objects that could cause a sole bruise.

Treatment:

To aid in healing, you should try to protect the hoof from further trauma if you suspect a sole bruise. This could mean taking a break from riding altogether or restricting activity to soft ground.

What is a hoof abscess?

A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection. The symptoms of a hoof abscess can appear suddenly, causing severe lameness. The horse is often non-weight-bearing on the affected foot due to the pressure caused by the abscess. Abscesses can cause heat in the foot, which you can feel by cupping the outside of the hoof. The digital pulse in the affected leg is often more evident and is a clear indicator that something is wrong. If you have hoof testers, you can check for your horse's reaction to pressure on the foot to locate the abscess.

Prevention:

Abscesses occur when bacteria gain entry into the tissues of the hoof capsule and can be caused by everything from softening of the sole due to moisture, to separation of the white line, or a puncture wound. The best way to prevent abscesses is with routine hoof care and farrier work to prevent any cracks or separation where bacteria can enter the hoof. It is also helpful to keep your horse out of wet conditions that soften the hoof sole.

Treatment:

In some cases, your farrier or vet may be able to create a pathway for the abscess to drain using their hoof knife. This should only be done by a farrier or vet since there are extremely sensitive structures that could be nicked in the process. Soaking the hoof in a warm Epsom salt solution, as well as keeping it packed with a drawing agent (such as a poultice), can encourage the abscess to drain on its own. For more information on treating an abscess, please read our article on how to soak and bandage a hoof.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a smelly black discharge that sits in the crevices in and around the frog. This residue is caused by a bacterial infection. When your horse's hoof becomes impacted with dirt and manure, the anaerobic microbes that thrive in the absence of oxygen cause thrush. Eventually, these microbes penetrate the tissue of the frog, causing it to decay. In the worst cases, the infection can reach deeper tissue in the hoof, leading to inflammation and lameness.

Prevention:

Try to keep your horse from standing in unsanitary conditions whenever possible. This includes staying away from overly wet areas, as bacteria love moisture. Practicing regular hoof care will keep your horse's hooves healthy and clean so that they are less likely to have a problem with thrush.

Treatment:

Your farrier will cut away the diseased tissue, potentially applying an antiseptic solution. Other treatments, such as anti-thrush products, can be used as a follow-up. Keeping your horse's feet clean should already be a priority, but even more so when dealing with thrush. Daily picking will help fight thrush as well as prevent it in the future.

What is white line disease?

White line disease occurs after there is hoof wall separation, resulting in a space for bacteria or fungus to breed and break down hoof wall tissue further. Though not all separations lead to white line disease, farriers commonly find separations that reach from .5 to 2 cm deep. This separation can be removed through routine hoof care and may remain stable over time. When bacteria and fungus become present in the separation, that is when an issue really begins. If the bacteria or fungus extends up to the coronet band, the overall structure of the hoof and integrity of the hoof horn will be weakened.

Prevention:

The specific causes for hoof wall separation and the bacteria that follow are not known. Despite this, proper routine hoof care can aid in preventing the disease. This includes regular cleaning and farrier appointments, as well as keeping moisture levels balanced. If a hoof is exposed to excess moisture, it is likely to swell and expand, which makes it more susceptible to breakdown and microbial infection. If you are worried about the level of moisture that your horse is exposed to, try stabling in at night or adding salt to a hoof oil or conditioner to draw out excess moisture.

Treatment:

If you suspect that your horse has white line disease, you should contact your farrier for treatment. They will resect the affected tissue while trying to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Depending on how the bacteria manifests, different shoeing techniques should be used to help the hoof. In extreme cases, the hoof wall may be resected to expose the affected area. This way, the area can be kept clean and dry while the hoof wall is regrowing. During the rehabilitation period, more frequent farrier visits will be needed to oversee the new growth and support proper healing. Topical treatments are available but should only be applied with the recommendation of a vet or farrier.

Thrush and White Line Disease Topical Treatments:

Since thrush and white line disease are both bacterial infections, they share similar topical treatments. After determining a plan of action with your farrier, these products can be a great addition to a rider's equine first-aid kit! All of these conditions respond better to treatment if they are caught early on, so make sure you give your horse daily hoof care to prevent more serious issues.

What is navicular disease in horses?

Navicular disease is a condition in which a horse's navicular bursa (the pillow between the navicular bone and the deep digital flexor tendon) becomes inflamed and can eventually rupture the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). The purpose of the DDFT is to move the toe of the horse down and back, allowing them to pick up their foot. When inflammation or rupture of the DDFT occurs, it is common for horses to keep weight on their toes and avoid stepping into their heels. It can look as if they are standing on their tiptoes.

Another sign of navicular disease is contracted heels. This means that the hoof wall grows more upright than it previously did and looks pinched at the heels. This makes the foot shape look more oval than circular.

Prevention:

Unfortunately, navicular disease is hard to prevent. Some horses are more prone to navicular disease based on their conformation. Horses with naturally smaller feet have less surface area to distribute weight and concussion, which forces the navicular bone back against the bursa and the tendon. More common in racehorses, cutting horses, and roping horses, it is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses and usually affects both front feet.

Treatment:

If you have reason to suspect navicular disease, you should contact your vet. Hoof testers can aid in diagnosing this condition; it is smart to test both the back and front feet as a point of comparison.

Depending on what your vet finds, corrective shoeing is a common next step. Shoes with a bar across the heel or pads with frog support can help relieve pressure, but these should only be applied with the recommendation of your farrier. Hoof boots are another option for horses who need protection but are too inflamed for traditional shoes.

What is laminitis in horses? Is foundering different?

Laminitis is a painful separation of layers within the horse's hoof. In a healthy hoof, the coffin bone is connected to the hoof wall via the laminae layers. There are two layers of laminae: the sensitive laminae, which are connected to the coffin bone, and the non-sensitive laminae, which are connected to the hoof wall. The laminae layers are "Velcroed" together but become un-Velcroed from laminitis or foundering. When the layers become separated, the coffin bone is at risk of rotation, which drops the front of the bone down and potentially through the sole

Laminitis is considered the acute version of this condition, and foundering is the chronic version. When a horse becomes laminitic, it commonly affects both front feet equally. When a horse has reached the point where they are considered foundering, the rotation of the coffin bone has already started.

Laminitis and foundering may be found in the horse's feet, but the underlying cause can be a result of a problem in a different area of the body. Various causes include a sugar overload from grain and lush forage, severe colic, and high fever.

Prevention:

The easiest way to prevent laminitis is to refrain from overfeeding your horse. Overfeeding mainly refers to the sugar content in the food, so lush grazing should be limited or avoided if the horse is more susceptible. Those who are susceptible include horses who are heavy breeds, ponies, horses who are already overweight, previously laminitic horses, and those with Cushing's disease. Laminitis and founder are intimidating topics due to their hidden nature and long-term effects. If you are concerned about your horse being affected, it is better to be safe than sorry. Always consult your vet if you have concerns and take preventative measures where applicable.

Treatment:

Common signs of acute laminitis include lameness in both front feet (especially on a circle), shifting weight when standing, heat in the feet, increased digital pulse, pain in the toe region, reluctant gait, and a sawhorse stance (front legs extended to relieve toe pressure). Common signs of chronic laminitis/foundering include acute symptoms as well as bruised soles, widened white lines, dropped soles, cresty necks, and dished hooves where the heel grows faster than the toe.

If your horse presents these symptoms, the first step is to talk to your vet and farrier. If laminitis is confirmed, treatment should be started right away to give a better chance for recovery. Treatment includes dietary restrictions to decrease sugar, administering fluids if the horse is dehydrated or ill, stabling on super soft ground to relieve some discomfort, draining abscesses that may occur, and corrective shoeing such as frog support pads. If your horse needs more protection but is too inflamed for traditional shoes, therapeutic hoof boots can also be a good option. Since laminitis is a systemic condition, it is truly a waiting game. Treatments can be applied but are usually aimed at stopping further damage rather than correcting the damage that has already occurred.

Long-term management of laminitis is extremely important. Once a horse has had a laminitic episode, it is likely that they will relapse. A modified diet that avoids excess carbohydrates and has increased fiber is recommended, as well as routine hoof care to help keep your horse healthy.

Stevie has some excellent insight into this topic and has shared some signs that your horse may benefit from shoes or protective boots. Many horses do perfectly well barefoot, but terrain, work level, and hoof quality are all factors to take into consideration.

Keep an eye out on if your horse seems more sensitive on rocky or hard ground. If they shorten their stride, flinch, or "toe walk" on gravel or hard-packed surfaces, their soles may be too thin for the terrain. Additionally, horses with flat soles of soft hooves may be prone to bruising, especially in rocky pastures or during trail rides. If this is the case, shoes or boots may be beneficial for your horse.

Some horses may need shoes to protect and maintain hoof integrity, especially if their hooves are prone to chipping or cracking easily. Horses in high-performance or competitive work such as jumping, reining, or intensive trail riding often need the added traction and support that horseshoes provide. Other horses who may benefit from shoes or boots are those being treated for conditions like laminitis, navicular syndrome, or contracted heels. These therapeutic shoeing cases are typically prescribed, alongside your vets input.

Finally, if your horse is transitioning from shod to barefoot, or only occasionally needs protection (for example, on trail rides or during competitions), hoof boots like Renegades or EasyBoot Gloves can be a flexible, cost-effective option. Keep in mind - neither barefoot nor shod is inherently better. Work with your farrier to assess your individual horse's hoof quality, workload, and environment. Revisit your decision seasonally.

An unhealthy hoof can look different depending on what condition the horse is facing. For example, a hoof wall crack is visible and could present no other symptoms, but laminitis is shown through behavior symptoms, not externally on the hoof. When assessing a hoof, look for any abnormalities as well as any symptoms that could be related.

Yes, they can! It's common to think they can't feel pain since traditional shoeing is a normal and pain-free process. This is because the outer wall, which is being nailed into is made of keratin and has no nerve endings, similar to our fingernails. The inside of the hoof capsule has many nerve endings and is sensitive to pain.

Do your best to identify what's going on with your horse in a timely manner and then relay that information to your vet or farrier. By providing as much information as possible, the vet or farrier can instruct you on what to do until they get there.

Horse hooves show growth patterns similar to trees. The hoof grows from the coronet band, where the hoof meets the hair, and can show evidence of past nutritional, impact, or health changes. Also referred to as stress rings, growth rings reflect environmental factors and can allude to aspects of the horse's life that should be altered in the future. For example, if the horse responded to a certain feed, it could be shown via a stress ring on the hoof. It is not always a human-driven result; if the pasture grass becomes more sugary, a growth ring can occur. Laminitic rings are similar, as a laminitic episode is a huge point of change and stress for a horse's body. These rings are often wider at the heel compared to the toe. If the rings persist, they can be indicators of a metabolic disease rather than an acute episode. If there is any suspicion of a laminitic episode or a metabolic disease, you should contact your vet and make a plan of action.