Horse Laminitis Prevention and Welfare

Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions horses experience, with recurrence causing chronic suffering. Prevention through management is more effective than treatment.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects approximately 7-14% of horses and ponies in the UK annually
Native pony breeds including Dartmoors, New Forests, and Welsh ponies are at highest risk
The condition involves inflammation of the sensitive laminae within the hoof, causing severe pain
Endocrine diseases including PPID and equine metabolic syndrome are leading risk factors
Grazing management, including restricted grass access in spring and autumn, is a primary prevention strategy

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis welfare impact is severe - the pain of acute laminitis has been compared to having all fingernails ripped off simultaneously. Chronic laminitis causes rotation of the pedal bone within the hoof, creating persistent pain that significantly reduces quality of life for years. Prevention is vastly preferable to treatment. For at-risk ponies and horses, proactive management of grazing, bodyweight, and early treatment of underlying endocrine disease can prevent first or recurrent episodes. Once a horse has had laminitis, the risk of recurrence is high and ongoing management is lifelong.

What You Can Do

Body condition score horses and ponies monthly and maintain ideal weight to reduce laminitis risk
Restrict grass access for at-risk ponies especially during high-sugar growth periods
Screen horses over 15 or overweight horses for PPID and equine metabolic syndrome annually
Learn the early signs of laminitis including foot heat, bounding digital pulse, and reluctance to move