“No hoof, no horse.” It’s such a simple statement, but it holds so much truth. Your horse’s hooves provide the foundation for everything you two do together, so it’s important to know the horse hoof care that will keep them healthy and sound.
Thundering horse hooves
Some common horse hoof problems and hoof diseases happen to the healthiest hooves, so it is important to know what to watch for, and what to do when a problem arises.
© 2016 by Mark Higgins
But sometimes that’s easier said than done.
SmartPak has a great interest in helping horse owners keep their horses' hooves healthy. Here is a list of common hoof problems and more information is available at SmartPak about maintaining healthy horse hooves.
Thrush
- How to spot it: Thrush is a common infection of the frog of the hoof and is usually most evident in the sulci (grooves) on either side of the frog and in the central section. There are two main ways you’ll notice your horse may have thrush – sight and smell. Thrush causes black discharge to occur on and around the frog, and the discharge is accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor.
Quarter Crack
- How to spot it: A quarter crack is a vertical split that occurs in the side (quarter) of the hoof. These cracks usually occur between the widest part of the hoof and the heel. Depending on the severity of the crack, the horse may or may not be lame.
Hoof Bruise
- How to spot it: A hoof bruise is similar to any other type of bruise – hemorrhage within tissues usually caused by blunt trauma, often times visible as discolored patches on the sole or hoof wall. Bruises can have a variety of causes, from acute trauma to concussive exercise to improper trimming/shoeing. Depending on the severity, a horse with a hoof bruise may be sensitive or even lame.
Horse Hoof Abscess
- How to spot it: A hoof abscess is an infection inside the hoof. Horses suffering from an abscess will often be suddenly and severely lame, and some horses may have lameness that seems to “come and go.”
White Line Disease
- How to spot it: White line disease is an infection of the white line, (the junction of the hoof wall and sole), causing a progressive separation of the layers of the hoof wall, which can lead to structural unsoundness and lameness.
Laminitis & Founder
- How to spot it: Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof. Signs of laminitis include lameness, reluctance to bear weight, and warm feet with a strong pulse, among others.
Navicular Syndrome
- How to spot it: The term “navicular syndrome” is broadly used to describe any type of caudal / heel pain in the hoof. Horses suffering from navicular pain will often exhibit lameness, especially under certain conditions such as working in tight, small circles or working on hard surfaces.
Press release by SmartPak