Proper hoof care is fundamental to horse welfare, as hoof problems are a leading cause of lameness, chronic pain, and premature retirement across all equine disciplines.
Neglected hooves cause progressive lameness that begins with subclinical pain and advances to obvious gait abnormalities and severe suffering. Horses walk on their toes, making hoof problems uniquely painful and pervasive in their effects on daily wellbeing. Conditions like laminitis cause constant burning pain that prevents comfortable standing or movement. Regular farrier care and prompt attention to problems is essential to equine welfare.