Horse Hoof Care

The hoof is divided into three major parts: the wall, the sole and the frog. Exercise is essential to horse hoof care, because only by pressure and release of that pressure on the frog is blood circulated through the hoof. Thus, exercise is really the only means of nourishing the hoof and keeping it in good condition. Daily exercise will help to put you on the road to adequate horse hoof care.

Inadequate horse hoof care may lead to one or more of these common hoof ailments:

Bruised sole—An injury of the sensitive sole of the hoof caused by treading heavily on a sharp stone or small stump or by a badly fitted shoe.

Canker—A softening of the horn of the hoof accompanied by a moist cheese-like growth and an objectionable odor. It is caused by wet, dirty and badly drained stalls.

Contracted heels—Caused by cutting away too much of the frog of the hoof so that it does not come in contact with the ground; by cutting away of the bars which in turn causes the heels to grow inward; permitting shoes to remain on too long and lack of exercise. Contracted heels may contribute to navicular disease.  This can be prevented by learning proper horse hoof care.  Seek the advice of a professional when necessary to avoid potential problems.

Corns—A bruise of the sensitive sole at the rear of the hoof in the angle formed by the bar and the wall, caused—as in human beings— by undue pressure of the shoe on the seat of the injury. Usually a result of improper shoeing and of shoes left on too long.

Cracked hoof or sand crack—A crack in the wall of the frog between the coronet and the shoe—usually more spread at the lower end. The hoof becomes dry, hard and brittle. It is caused by an injury to the coronary band and by rasping away the outside wall of the foot causing loss of the natural secretion which keeps the hoof moist.

Founder or laminitis—An inflammation of the sensitive laminae (hence, laminitis) directly under the horny wall of the hoof, limiting room for expansion. It is painful and usually accompanied by accelerated pulse and respiration and high temperature and, of course, heat in the affected feet. Usually affects the forefeet. There are a variety of causes: chilling from standing in a draft; drinking large amounts of water when hot; overeating of grain; eating improper or spoiled forage; prolonged work on hard surfaces; over-exertion and exhaustion.

Navicular Disease—A most serious affliction of the navicular bone in the coffin joint—almost always in the forefeet. It is caused by excessive, fast or strenuous work, especially after being turned out, and excessive work on hard roads at fast paces. Contributing causes are also contracted heels and continual use of shoes with high heels. There is some indication that a tendency to the disease may be hereditary. Proper horse hoof care can help to prevent the development of navicular disease even in horses that may be predisposed to this affliction.

Quittor—A fistulous or running sore on the coronet, usually the result of an injury to the coronet from a tread wound or overreaching, from corns or cracks and from a close nail when shoeing.

Sidebone—A bony growth on either lateral cartilage of the hoof. It is caused by fast gaits on hard roads; from a blow, wound or tread and continued use of high calks. Horses with narrow feet are more subject to the disease.

Thrush—An inflammation of the cleft of the frog—more generally affecting the hindfeet—caused by standing in a wet, dirty and badly drained stall; standing or traveling a long time in muddy water; and through infection. The disease is characterized by a foul odor; the cleft of the frog is soft and spongy and there is a thick discharge.

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