Checking Your Horse’s Hooves by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Identifying Hoof Health Problems 🐴🦶🔍

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Why Hoof Health Matters

The old adage "No hoof, no horse" still rings true in 2025. Regularly examining your horse's feet can help you spot issues early—from laminitis to abscesses—before they impact soundness or performance. Whether your horse is barefoot, shod, or somewhere in between, understanding hoof conformation and balance is essential. 🔍

What Should a Healthy Hoof Look Like? 🧠

1. The Dorsal Hoof Wall

• Should be straight from the coronary band to the toe
• Any curve or bulge may indicate:
  • Laminitis – if the wall is concave and the sole is flat
  • Buttress foot – if the hoof wall at the coronary band bulges forward due to bony growth on the coffin bone

2. Swelling or Pain at the Coronary Band

• Localized swelling at the coronary band may indicate a hoof abscess trying to rupture
• If swelling extends up to the pastern, it may be a skin or soft tissue infection
• Swelling isolated to the coronary band but wrapping around the hoof may point to coffin joint issues

3. Hoof Rings (Growth Rings)

• Should be parallel from top to bottom
• Uneven rings suggest uneven growth—common causes include:
  • Imbalanced trimming
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Unilateral weight-bearing or lameness

How to Inspect the Hoof Sole & Frog 🐸

4. Foot Shape and Dimensions

• The front foot should be as long as it is wide
• The widest part of the hoof should be halfway between toe and heel
• If not, the horse may be:
  • Incorrectly trimmed
  • Developing chronic hoof distortion

5. Frog Condition

• Should be broad, symmetrical, and contact the ground
• Deep central sulcus or foul odor may indicate thrush

Common Hoof Issues to Watch For 🛑

Laminitis 🔥

• Concave dorsal hoof wall
• Flat sole
• Heat in the hoof or bounding digital pulse

Hoof Abscess 💥

• Sudden, severe lameness
• Swelling at coronary band or pastern
• Heat and sensitivity in the foot

Imbalance ⚖️

• Uneven hoof wall rings
• Long toe, underrun heel
• Breakover point too far forward

Diagnostic Tools for Vets 🔬

• Radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate internal structure
• Hoof testers to detect pain or abscess pressure
• Thermal imaging for inflammation detection

Owner Tips for Weekly Hoof Checks 🧼

1. Pick out hooves daily and look for debris or odor
2. Check for cracks, flares, and separation along the white line
3. Feel for heat or pulse in the pastern area
4. Compare both front feet for symmetry in length and width
5. Keep a journal or photo record of changes

Case Example: Chronic Hoof Ring Asymmetry

1. 12-year-old gelding noticed with hoof rings more prominent on the lateral side
2. Horse also showing subtle forelimb lameness
3. Radiographs revealed early navicular changes and poor medial hoof growth
4. Trim adjusted to support medial heel; shoeing changed to address breakover
5. Rings began growing parallel again within 6 months

FAQs About Examining Horse Hooves 🧠

Q: How often should hooves be trimmed?

A: Every 4–6 weeks depending on season, hoof growth rate, and activity level.

Q: What’s the first sign of laminitis?

A: Increased heat in the hoof, sensitivity to pressure, reluctance to move, and changes in hoof wall angle.

Q: Should I treat abscesses myself?

A: Minor abscesses can be soaked and poulticed, but if swelling persists or the horse is severely lame, call your vet.

Conclusion

Horses' hooves are complex and sensitive—and changes in their structure often signal deeper health issues. In 2025, early visual detection of hoof abnormalities is more important than ever. Regular checks and veterinary collaboration help keep your horse sound and healthy. Don’t ignore a concave hoof wall, swelling at the coronary band, or asymmetric hoof rings—these signs may be telling you something deeper is wrong. 🐎

Want a personalized hoof assessment? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to upload hoof photos and get advice from Dr Duncan Houston. Keep those hooves balanced and your horse happy! 🦶💚