Working Animals

Horse Hoof Care and Welfare Outcomes

Proper hoof care is foundational to horse welfare, yet many horses suffer from preventable hoof-related lameness.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 90% of performance horses at some point
Hoof care requirements vary by horse type and workload
Inadequate farriery is a leading cause of preventable suffering
Wild horses self-maintain hooves through natural movement patterns

Welfare Considerations

Hoof problems including laminitis, thrush, and white line disease cause significant pain and reduced mobility. Regular professional farriery and appropriate footing are essential welfare requirements that are often neglected in cost-cutting.

What You Can Do

Schedule farrier visits every 6-8 weeks for working horses
Maintain dry, clean stabling to prevent hoof disease
Learn to recognize early signs of laminitis and hoof pain
Consult a vet-farrier team for horses with chronic hoof problems