Laminitis — inflammation of the sensitive laminae supporting the hoof — is one of the most painful conditions in horses and ponies, with high rates of preventable cases.
Laminitis causes severe, often debilitating pain. Affected horses adopt a characteristic stance — leaning back to transfer weight from painful front feet — and are reluctant to move. In severe cases, the pedal bone rotates downward through the sole, causing permanent lameness and extreme pain that may necessitate euthanasia. Chronic low-grade laminitis causes constant discomfort that owners may miss, attributed to "stiffness." Prevention is highly achievable: managing grass intake through grazing muzzles and track systems, treating underlying metabolic disease, and avoiding grain overload are all effective and evidence-based. Pain management and box rest during acute episodes are critical welfare interventions.