Farm Animals

Horse Hoof Care and Welfare

Proper hoof care is fundamental to equine welfare, yet access to skilled farriers and trimming is uneven.

Key Facts

Laminitis is one of the most painful and common equine conditions
Overgrown hooves cause postural problems that affect the entire musculoskeletal system
Regular trimming every 6-8 weeks is essential for most horses
Hoof care costs and farrier availability vary enormously by region

Welfare Considerations

Hoof health is the foundation of equine welfare — horses kept on inappropriate footing, overfed high-sugar diets, or without regular hoof care suffer preventable and significant pain. Laminitis, a rotation of the coffin bone, causes agonizing lameness. Access to skilled farriery is uneven, particularly for horses kept by lower-income owners in rural areas.

What You Can Do

Maintain regular farrier or trimmer schedules for owned horses
Learn the signs of laminitis and other hoof conditions
Advocate for farrier training programs in regions with limited access
Support equine welfare organizations providing hoof care to neglected horses