⚖️ Vet Insight 2025: Understanding and Managing Sheared Heels in Horses 🐎🦶

Among the many hoof challenges faced by horse owners, sheared heels are one of the most misunderstood—and yet most significant—conditions. Characterized by uneven heel height in the same hoof, this imbalance can trigger a cascade of hoof problems, including painful quarter cracks and long-term lameness. In this in-depth 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston walks you through identifying, diagnosing, and managing sheared heels for long-term soundness. 🧠🐴

🔍 What Are Sheared Heels?

A horse’s heels should ideally be symmetrical—both sides of the hoof landing evenly during movement. When one heel is consistently higher than the other, we call this sheared heels. This imbalance can occur in any hoof, but is most often seen in the front feet. 🦶

Key signs of sheared heels:

• 📏 One heel visibly higher than the other (viewed from behind)
• 🦴 Uneven wear on the shoe or hoof wall
• 💢 Lameness, especially on hard surfaces or tight turns
• 🔍 Cracks developing at or near the heels

🧪 What Causes Sheared Heels?

Sheared heels develop when weight is not evenly distributed across the hoof. Causes may include:

• 🚶 Conformational asymmetry
• ⚖️ Unbalanced trimming or shoeing
• 📉 Uneven load from poor posture or compensatory lameness
• 🏇 Excessive work on tight turns or hard footing

This uneven load places chronic pressure on one side of the foot. Over time, this side compresses or collapses, while the opposite side remains higher and eventually becomes displaced upward. The result is an unstable hoof and strained internal structures. 🧱

🧠 How Sheared Heels Lead to Lameness

When one heel is forced higher, the entire hoof capsule twists and destabilizes. This causes:

• 🔩 Quarter cracks (especially if the coronary band is involved)
• 🔥 Inflammation of internal soft tissues
• 📉 Uneven movement and stride irregularities
• 🩺 Pain during weight-bearing, especially in the higher heel

What are Quarter Cracks?

True quarter cracks begin at the coronary band and run downward through the full thickness of the hoof wall. These are different from superficial cracks or ground surface splits. Quarter cracks are often painful and can become infected or inflamed if untreated. 🦠

The pinching of underlying tissue causes discomfort, and horses may exhibit overt signs of lameness or behavioral resistance during work. 🧬

🩺 Diagnosing Sheared Heels

Diagnosis begins with a thorough visual inspection of the hooves from multiple angles. Look for:

• 👀 Uneven heel heights when viewing the foot from behind
• 📏 Differences in hoof angle or pastern alignment
• 📉 Evidence of collapse on the lower heel side
• 🧼 Cracks forming near the heel or quarter

Radiographs (X-rays) may also be used to evaluate the internal structures and rule out deeper pathology or coffin bone misalignment. 📸

🛠️ Treatment: Teamwork Between Farrier and Vet

Treating sheared heels, especially when quarter cracks are present, requires a coordinated effort between the veterinarian and a skilled farrier. Here’s the ideal treatment approach: 🧰

1. 🔧 Trim and Balance the Foot

• Even out weight distribution across both heels
• Lower the high heel to match the lower side (gradually)
• Correct toe length and breakover to encourage even landings

2. 🩺 Stabilize with Bar Shoe or Supportive Footwear

• Apply a bar shoe to bridge both heels and reduce independent movement
• Use minimal nails to allow the hoof capsule to “settle” naturally
• Support the collapsed heel without forcing the high heel up

3. 🛌 Rest and Remove Training Stress

• Remove horse from intense work to allow time for healing
• Stable on flat, dry surfaces to reduce further distortion

4. 📆 Reevaluate Every Trim Cycle

• Monitor heel symmetry over time
• Adjust trimming plan based on progress

📉 Remember: This is not a quick fix. Treating sheared heels takes patience and precision. Progress should be evaluated every 4–6 weeks. 🕰️

🧬 Preventing Sheared Heels

Prevention is always better than correction. To keep your horse’s hooves even and stable, follow these guidelines:

• 📆 Maintain a consistent trimming schedule (every 4–6 weeks)
• ⚖️ Monitor for imbalance at each farrier visit
• 🏞️ Avoid excessive work on uneven, hard ground
• 🔄 Alternate direction during training (e.g., lunging)
• 🐾 Inspect hooves weekly for cracks or height changes

📲 Ask A Vet: Digital Hoof Evaluations Made Easy

Not sure if your horse has a sheared heel developing? Use the Ask A Vet app to consult with equine veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston from anywhere. 📱🐴

With Ask A Vet, you can:

• 📷 Submit hoof photos for expert review
• 📐 Get trimming and shoeing suggestions
• 💬 Connect your farrier and vet for collaborative care

Download the Ask A Vet app today and keep your horse’s feet level and pain-free, year-round. 🦶📈

🏁 Final Thoughts: Balance Is Everything

Sheared heels might seem like a minor imbalance, but left unaddressed, they can lead to painful cracks, chronic lameness, and reduced performance. With careful trimming, proper shoeing, and smart management, your horse can recover full hoof stability and comfort. 🧠

🐾 Want expert eyes on your horse’s hooves? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to connect with veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston for hoof guidance that protects every step. 🐎💙