Horse Hoof Care and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Proper hoof care is fundamental to horse welfare, with neglect causing chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life for affected animals.

Key Facts

Laminitis — a painful inflammatory condition of the hoof — is one of the most common causes of equine euthanasia
Regular trimming every 6-8 weeks prevents most hoof-related welfare problems
White line disease and thrush are bacterial conditions that cause significant hoof damage if untreated
Horses with hooves trimmed to correct angles have lower rates of joint and tendon problems
Barefoot management is increasingly recognized as appropriate for many horses in suitable environments

Welfare Considerations

Hoof care is a daily welfare responsibility that requires both regular farrier input and owner monitoring for early problem signs. Neglected hooves cause progressive pain and dysfunction — a horse standing on severely overgrown or infected hooves is experiencing significant suffering that could have been prevented. Laminitis, often triggered by dietary mismanagement, causes such severe pain that affected horses are commonly found lying down, unable to bear weight. Prevention through appropriate diet, exercise, and regular farriery is far preferable to treatment.

What You Can Do

Maintain a 6-8 week farrier schedule for horses in your care
Learn to recognize early signs of laminitis and other hoof conditions
Ensure all horses have access to appropriate diet and exercise to prevent metabolic laminitis
Support organizations that provide emergency hoof care for neglected horses
Report suspected hoof neglect in horses you observe to animal welfare authorities