Horse Hoof Care and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Hoof health is foundational to horse welfare. Laminitis, thrush, white line disease, and improper shoeing are among the leading preventable causes of pain and lameness in horses worldwide.

Key Facts

Laminitis — inflammation of the sensitive laminae within the hoof — is one of the most painful and potentially fatal conditions in horses
An estimated 7-14% of horses suffer from laminitis at some point in their lives; the condition is strongly linked to diet and metabolic status
Regular farriery — every 6-8 weeks for shod horses, 8-12 weeks for barefoot horses — is essential preventive welfare care
Thrush, a bacterial infection of the frog, causes pain and is associated with wet, dirty conditions — primarily a management welfare issue
Improper shoeing, overly long toes, and unbalanced feet cause chronic pain and progressive joint damage if uncorrected
The barefoot movement argues that correct trimming without shoes can be superior for hoof health in many horses when management allows

Welfare Considerations

Hoof care is one of the most directly welfare-relevant aspects of horse management. A horse with painful feet cannot move, forage, or engage naturally — hoof pain compromises welfare holistically. Good hoof care requires a skilled farrier, regular attention, appropriate substrate, correct nutrition, and owner vigilance for early signs of problems. Laminitis prevention is particularly important given the condition severity — understanding dietary triggers and metabolic risk factors is a core responsibility for horse owners.

What You Can Do

Establish a regular farriery schedule appropriate for your horse — consult your farrier and vet for the right interval
Learn the early signs of laminitis — increased digital pulse, shifting weight between feet, reluctance to move — and act immediately if observed
Provide appropriate diet and exercise to prevent metabolic conditions that predispose horses to laminitis
Keep horse hooves clean and housing substrate dry to prevent infections such as thrush and white line disease