Hoof Health

Hooves: the foundation stone of the equine athlete

We all know that old saying of, “no foot, no horse”. This is such a simple and often overlooked statement, but healthy hooves contribute to our horse’s comfort, longevity, and of course, their performance. By prioritizing hoof health, it is possible to provide your horse with a solid foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.

What is the anatomy of the foot?

The horse’s foot consists of several key structures. The hoof wall is the hard, outer layer that surrounds and protects the sensitive internal structures. This is the part of the hoof that is visible to us when the horse is standing. It is made up of densely packed keratinized cells that grow continuously from the coronary band at the top. Within the hoof wall is located the laminae, that provide structural support and interlocks the hoof wall with the coffin bone. This bone forms the foundation for the foot and also facilitates movement through the attachment of two important tendons;

1. The extensor tendon – attaches to the top/front of the coffin bone and straightens the leg.
2. The deep digital flexor tendon – attaches to the bottom of the coffin bone and bends/flexes the leg.

The sole is the concave area beneath the hoof wall and is involved in bearing weight. It is however, not in contact with the ground. The frog is located at the back of the foot (heel) and is a triangular-shaped structure that aids in shock absorption and circulation. Its ability to compress, expand, and provide shock absorption aids in promoting blood flow within the foot. The presence of the digital cushion, located above the frog, helps with shock absorption and the dissipation of forces from impact.

Musculoskeletal injuries are incredibly common in horses that are competing and training, with the vast majority of these arising from imbalances in the feet.

What are some of the common conditions affecting horses’ feet?

There are several conditions deemed “common” that affect horses’ feet. These include (but are not limited to):

1. Laminitis

Occurs when the laminae within the hoof become inflamed. This condition can occur in varying severity levels and can arise as a result of diet, metabolic issues, excessive workload, or inflammatory conditions.

2. Thrush

An infection of the frog caused by bacterial and/or fungal organisms. Thrush typically affects the hind feet of horses that are stabled in moist, damp, and dirty conditions. Foot conformation can leave certain individuals more prone to infection than others.

3. White line disease

Develops where bacteria or fungi invade the inner layers of the hoof wall. This causes the “white line” (area between the hoof wall and sole) to deteriorate, leading to separation and potential lameness. White line disease is generally associated with poor hoof hygiene and can be difficult to treat.

4. Abscessation

Develops when bacterial or fungal organisms enter the hoof via a wound (or opening) that results in a subsequent infection and formation of pus. Abscesses can develop at any time, and in all horses, but are most likely to arise during the wettest months of the year.

5. Navicular disease

A chronic condition that affects the navicular bone and associated structures in the hoof. This will typically affect the front feet and is frequently found in both front feet simultaneously.

6. Hoof wall cracks

Occur for a variety of reasons including trauma, poorly fitted shoes, or imbalanced hooves. Internal factors such as poor hoof quality or a weak horn structure could predispose a horse to developing such a problem.

What role does nutrition play in maintaining a healthy foot?

Specific issues relating to hoof quality can be linked to diet. Providing a balanced diet that includes suitable amino acids along with proper vitamin and mineral supplementation, supports optimal hoof health.

Several minerals are essential in their contribution to the structural integrity and strength of the hoof, including zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and selenium. Biotin (vitamin B-7) is synonymous with hoof health. It plays a significant role in the formation of keratin, a key component of the hoof wall. Other vitamins, such as vitamin E, also are important in terms of hoof strength. Amino acids, such as Methionine and Lysine are crucial for the formation of strong and healthy hooves. They contribute to the production of keratin and other proteins that make up the hoof structure.

In addition to the importance of nutrition, regular hoof care from your farrier is a must.  Hooves (like fingernails) are constantly growing (some faster than others). Regular trimming is not only important for maintaining the shape and overall structure of the hooves, but also for identifying problems early, hopefully avoiding lengthy treatments and recovery times.

What can we as horse owners do?

It is in the interest of all horse owners to adopt a good approach to hoof care. Cleanliness and hygiene, with the addition of a good diet, helps to optimise hoof health. Many benefits have been seen from the application of hoof oils and/or grease to both the hoof wall and the frog. However, it is important to remember that this alone will not correct an underlying problem. Asking for help from your veterinarian, farrier, or nutritionist is always a good option as the hoof is the foundation on which your horse is built. And as they say; “no foot, no horse”.

Ian Rountree MVB