Horse Hoof Problems: Treatment & Prevention

You might have heard the expression "no hoof, no horse" but have you really considered how important your horse's hooves are to their overall well-being? Hooves support your horse's weight, withstand impact while they perform, and make them capable of navigating different types of terrain. Hoof problems are inevitable over a lifetime of weather changes and other environmental stressors, so we are covering some of the most common hoof problems for horses and offering tips, treatment, and prevention plans!

Here at Riding Warehouse, we understand that identifying and dealing with veterinary and farrier-related conditions at home can be challenging and stressful. We get numerous calls from equestrians who need assistance identifying, understanding, and treating hoof health issues. Unfortunately, many riders and horse owners are naive when it comes to understanding that the longevity of their horse is directly related to their hoof and leg health. If even minor hoof ailments are ignored, a horse can develop a variety of more extreme conditions, which could lead to chronic pain, a need for surgery, retirement, or in extreme cases, euthanasia. We always suggest consulting your veterinarian or farrier if you believe your horse may have a hoof problem or condition.

Educating yourself on how to identify and deal with hoof issues is daunting but important. That's why we are here to help!

What Will Be Covered

Horse Hoof Anatomy

Hooves are continuously growing and naturally being worn down, similar to human fingernails. For most horses, their hooves grow faster than they get worn down, which means that we need farriers to trim and even out the new growth. Appropriate farrier care helps maintain or develop a healthy hoof structure but is not the lone factor. Unbalanced nutrition, poor care, and excessive wear can disrupt natural growth and lead to deeper hoof problems. Understanding how the horse's anatomy contributes to these different avenues of hoof growth and health will help you provide your horse with the best care possible.

The internal anatomy of the hoof that pertains to the hoof health conditions we will be covering include:

• Long Pastern Bone (proximal phalanx) - between the fetlock and pastern joint and is meant to increase fetlock flexibility and decrease concussion.
• Short Pastern Bone (middle phalanx) - a part of the coffin joint that lives halfway in the hoof.
• Coffin Bone (pedal bone or distal phalanx) - the foundation of the horse hoof.
• Navicular Bone - the small bone underneath the short pastern bone which provides a fulcrum point for the deep digital flexor tendon.
• Navicular Bursa - the small fluid cushion between the navicular bone and the deep digital flexor tendon.
• Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) - starts behind the knee and reaches down to the toe of the coffin bone.
• White Line - seen from the bottom of a horse's hoof, the white line is the visible portion of a horse's laminae layers which is the meeting point of the coffin bone to the hoof wall.
• Hoof Sole - covers the bottom of the hoof beneath the coffin bone and helps support and protect the internal anatomy from the external environment.

Climate and Weather

Climate and weather can dramatically impact hoof health. From hard, dry ground to wet and muddy conditions, each season brings its own challenges. A chronically dry environment can lead to hoof cracks and slower growth, while a muddy environment can lead to thrush and soft hooves that don't hold shoes well. Going from dry to wet conditions can cause hooves to crack and peel over time, so it's important to keep moisture changes to a minimum if possible.

Flies and Pests

Flies cause visible irritation to the horse, seen when they swish their tails and stomp their feet. Over time, stomping can lead to hoof and leg issues due to constant concussion. Shoes can become loose and cracks can occur, so it's a good idea to use fly spray consistently or even invest in a pair of fly boots if flies are really bothersome to your horse.

General Wear and Tear

All horses are going to experience some sort of hoof health problem in their lifetime, some more than others, but with proper care we can minimize the long-term effects and make our horses as comfortable as possible. Knowing the terrain your horse regularly encounters can change how you need to take care of their feet. This could be via hoof boots or specific shoes, or being diligent with hoof oil or conditioner.

Nutrition

What we feed our horses has a direct impact on how their body grows. Horses can have "good hoof genes" meaning that their conformation is good, they grow evenly, and much more. However, these genes can only do their job if the horse has a proper diet. On the other hand, a horse can be born with "poor hoof genes" which can be supplemented with diet additions. Purina, a well-known animal feed company, has shown the importance of a proper diet. They determined that developing horses who are fed a low-calorie diet respond with decreased weight gain and decreased hoof growth. Additionally, diets that have an improper balance of minerals can lead to insufficient hoof horn strength, abnormal bone development, hair loss, and laminitis. To read more about Purina and its nutrition research, check out their article on how nutrition affects horse hoof growth.

Pro Tip

If your horse has an acute case of lameness, you should always check the leg for cuts, swelling, or abnormal bumps. You should also pick out the hoof and check the foot for foreign objects that may be wedged inside. Ruling out these causes of discomfort can save you lots of time, energy, and money!

Lost Shoes

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.

Hoof Wall Cracks

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.

Sole Bruises

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.

Abscesses

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.

Thrush

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.

White Line Disease

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 nip these conditions in the bud.

Navicular Disease

What is navicular disease in horses?
Navicular disease is a condition in which a horse's navicular bursa (the pillow in between the navicular bone and the deep digital flexor tendon) becomes inflamed and can eventually rupture the 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 rupturing 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. Shown more in race horses, 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.

Laminitis and Foundering

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 is connected to the coffin bone, and the non-sensitive laminae which is 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 (think genie shoes).

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 systematic 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of horse hoof problems are there?

A: There are many types of hoof problems within horses. Some stem from within the hoof, while others manifest in the hoof but are caused by other systems within the body. Some of the most common include:

Q: What does an unhealthy horse hoof look like?

A: 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.

Q: Do horses feel pain in their hooves?

A: 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.

Q: What should I do if my horse has hoof health problems?

A: 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.

Q: What are hoof growth rings, what are laminitic rings, and how are they different?

A: 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.

If you have a horse, you should be routinely picking out their feet and inspecting them for abnormalities. This could be for immediate fixes, like stuck rocks, or for more severe problems, like white line development. By staying on top of hoof health, you can prevent problems or spot them early. If your horse has a habit of hoof problems, make a plan with your farrier regarding at-home practices. They might have specific recommendations for how to keep your horse happy and healthy in between visits.

For help with all of your hoof care, shop our hoof health category for supplies to prevent and cure the problem at hand. We also carry an array of hoof supplements to keep your horse's feet in their best condition all year long. Please note that this article is for informational purposes only, and this information does not constitute a diagnosis or medical advice. You should always consult your vet and farrier before taking medical action with your horse. Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions regarding products feel free to reach out to our customer service department at
1-800-620-9145 or at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Ride on!

Further Reading

We understand that you may want to do more research on hoof health and related conditions. That's why we compiled some great sources so that you can take a deeper dive!

• Purina Mills on Hoof Growth and Nutrition
• University of Missouri on Navicular Disease
• University of Missouri on Functional Hoof Anatomy
• University of Missouri All Equine Related Publications
• American Association of Equine Practitioners on Laminitis and Founder
• American Association of Equine Practitioners on General Veterinary Care
• British Equine Veterinary Association on White Line Disease
• American Farriers Association Insights, Information, Farrier Locator
• Stable Horse Training on Hoof Rings and Laminitic Rings