Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions affecting horses and ponies, involving inflammation of the sensitive laminae that attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone. Understanding triggers and early intervention are critical.
Laminitis causes some of the most severe pain experienced by horses and ponies. Even mild cases involve significant laminar inflammation and discomfort that restricts movement and normal behaviour. Affected horses adopt a characteristic leaning-back stance to shift weight from their toes, a postural adaptation that itself causes muscle fatigue. Chronic laminitis leads to permanent structural changes in the hoof, persistent pain, and significant quality-of-life impairment. Many horses are euthanised due to uncontrollable laminitis pain. Welfare assessment requires regular pain scoring, gait analysis, and monitoring of appetite and social behaviour. Prevention through dietary management, appropriate exercise, and early recognition of metabolic predispositions is far preferable to treatment.