Horse Hoof Care and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Hoof health is fundamental to equine welfare. Neglect of hoof care causes significant pain and mobility problems, while appropriate care supports a horse or pony at every stage of life.

Key Facts

Hooves grow approximately 1 cm per month and require regular trimming every 6-8 weeks
Laminitis is a painful and potentially life-threatening hoof condition affecting horses and ponies
Neglected hooves can curl and crack, causing severe lameness and chronic pain
Barefoot trimming has grown as an alternative to traditional shoeing for appropriate horses
Navicular syndrome causes chronic heel pain and affects many performance horses
Early detection of hoof problems through regular farrier visits prevents progression to severe disease

Welfare Considerations

Equine hoof welfare is a significant welfare issue because problems rapidly escalate from minor discomfort to severe, life-altering pain if neglected. Many horses and ponies suffer from preventable hoof conditions due to irregular farrier visits, inappropriate diet causing laminitis, and poor stable management. The welfare impact of severe laminitis and untreated hoof neglect is enormous. Regular farrier care every 6-8 weeks, appropriate diet management, clean dry stable conditions, and early veterinary attention to any lameness are the foundations of good hoof welfare. Rescue organizations frequently encounter horses with severely neglected hooves requiring months of rehabilitation.

What You Can Do

Schedule farrier appointments every 6-8 weeks for all horses in your care
Manage diet carefully to prevent laminitis, particularly in grass-sensitive ponies
Inspect hooves daily for stones, cracks, and signs of thrush or other conditions
Seek veterinary attention promptly for any changes in gait or signs of foot pain