Proper hoof care is fundamental to horse welfare, with laminitis, navicular disease, and poor farriery being among the most significant preventable welfare problems in domestic horses.
Hoof care welfare encompasses both preventive maintenance and the management of serious diseases like laminitis and navicular syndrome. Laminitis — rotation of the pedal bone inside the hoof capsule — causes excruciating pain and can be fatal; it is largely preventable through dietary management particularly around grass access in spring. Regular farriery prevents the long-term joint and tendon problems caused by unbalanced feet. Access to a good farrier and a knowledgeable equine vet forms the welfare foundation of any horse keeping enterprise.