Thrush is a common bacterial infection of the horse frog that causes pain and lameness but is largely preventable through good management and hoof care practices.
Hoof thrush represents a largely preventable welfare problem caused by management failures rather than unavoidable disease. The combination of wet environments, infrequent hoof care and contracted hoof conformation creates conditions where thrush flourishes. Early thrush causes discomfort that horses may not show overtly, meaning the condition advances before detection. Severe cases involve painful destruction of sensitive frog tissue and can cause significant lameness. Prevention through daily hoof picking, appropriate bedding management, turnout on well-drained ground and regular farriery is straightforward and highly effective.