Donkey hooves have different growth characteristics than horses and require specialist farriery knowledge, with neglected hooves causing chronic pain and welfare compromise.
Donkey hoof welfare is an area where species-specific knowledge is critical. Donkeys are often assumed to be similar to horses, but their hoof horn is harder and drier, grows more upright, and requires different trimming angles and intervals. Farriers trained on horses often apply inappropriate techniques to donkeys, causing welfare problems rather than preventing them. Chronically untrimmed donkey hooves cause severe mechanical discomfort from distorted hoof-pastern alignment and, in extreme neglect cases, curl into deformities that make walking painful and sometimes impossible. Working with a farrier with specific donkey training, or accessing resources from specialist organizations like The Donkey Sanctuary, ensures appropriate care.