Hoof Wall Cracks in Horses: Causes, Treatment and When To Worry

A hoof crack is not just a line in the wall. It is a clue about stress, balance, horn quality, trauma, infection, or the way the hoof is loading.

By Dr Duncan Houston

Hoof wall cracks are common in horses, but they are not all the same.

Some are small, superficial cracks that grow out with regular farrier care. Others extend deeper into the hoof wall, move when the horse bears weight, become infected, cause lameness, or originate from the coronary band where new hoof wall is produced.

The mistake is treating every crack as cosmetic. The bigger mistake is patching the crack without asking why it formed in the first place.

A hoof crack is usually the visible result of a mechanical or biological problem. The real question is not just “how do we cover it?” It is: what force, imbalance, trauma, infection, or hoof quality issue caused this hoof wall to fail?

Quick Answer

Hoof wall cracks in horses are fissures in the hoof wall that may be superficial or full thickness, complete or incomplete, vertical or horizontal. Many partial thickness cracks do not cause lameness, but unstable, infected, bleeding, or full thickness cracks can become painful and need veterinary and farrier treatment. The most important step is identifying and correcting the underlying cause, such as hoof imbalance, long toes, sheared heels, poor horn quality, coronary band trauma, white line disease, or infrequent trimming. MSD Veterinary Manual notes that lameness is usually present only when a crack is unstable or infected, and that treatment focuses on correcting the cause, debriding affected tissue, and stabilising the hoof wall when needed. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

What Is a Hoof Wall Crack?

A hoof wall crack is a split or fissure in the hoof capsule.

Cracks can be classified by:

• Location: toe, quarter, heel, bar, or coronary band

• Direction: vertical or horizontal

• Depth: partial thickness or full thickness

• Length: complete or incomplete

• Stability: stable or moving under load

• Infection status: clean, bleeding, draining, or infected

MSD Veterinary Manual explains that full thickness cracks extend through the entire hoof capsule, while partial thickness cracks only involve part of the wall. Complete cracks extend from the ground surface to the coronary band, while incomplete cracks do not involve the full length of the hoof wall. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

That classification matters because a small surface crack and an unstable full thickness quarter crack are very different problems.

One is often routine hoof care.

The other can become painful, infected, and performance limiting.

Why Do Hoof Wall Cracks Form?

Most hoof cracks develop because the hoof wall is exposed to force it cannot manage.

Common causes include:

• Hoof wall imbalance

• Long toes

• Low or underrun heels

• Medial to lateral imbalance

• Sheared heels

• Poor quality hoof horn

• Infrequent trimming

• Improper trimming or shoeing

• Coronary band trauma

• White line disease

• Hoof wall flares

• Repeated wet to dry environmental changes

• Dry, brittle hoof wall

• Previous abscess drainage at the coronary band

• Old wounds or defects in hoof growth

• Conformation that creates uneven loading

MSD Veterinary Manual lists hoof wall imbalance, coronary band trauma, poor quality hoof wall, and inadequate or infrequent trimming as predisposing factors. It also notes that vertical cracks are the most common type and are generally linked to hoof wall imbalance from conformation, trimming, or shoeing, although cracks can still occur in hooves that appear normal. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

In practice, hoof cracks are rarely random. They usually tell you where the hoof wall is being overloaded, weakened, pulled apart, or failing to grow normally.

Why Hoof Balance Matters So Much

The hoof is not a static block of horn. It flexes, loads, expands, breaks over, and absorbs force with every step.

When the foot is balanced, forces travel more evenly through the hoof capsule.

When the foot is imbalanced, one area may take too much load.

That can lead to:

• Wall flares

• Separation

• Cracking

• Sheared heels

• White line stretching

• Uneven wear

• Delayed healing

• Recurrence after patching

University of Minnesota Extension notes that balanced hooves help horses move better and reduce stress and strain on bones, tendons, and ligaments. A balanced foot includes a straight hoof pastern angle, easy breakover, adequate heel support, and medial to lateral balance. (University of Minnesota Extension)

That is why cosmetic crack repair without balance correction often fails.

You can patch the crack beautifully, but if the same mechanical stress keeps pulling on the wall, the crack may simply keep laughing at you in hoof language.

Common Types of Hoof Wall Cracks

Toe Cracks

Toe cracks occur at the front of the hoof wall.

They are often associated with:

• Long toes

• Delayed breakover

• Low heels

• Hoof wall flare

• Dorsal wall stress

• Coronary band defects

• White line disease

• Previous trauma

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that toe cracks are usually partial thickness cracks that originate at the ground surface of the hoof wall. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

A simple toe crack may be superficial, but a deeper toe crack can indicate leverage, wall separation, infection, or an internal hoof problem.

Quarter Cracks

Quarter cracks occur on the side of the hoof wall, usually between the toe and heel.

These are often more concerning because they can involve instability, bleeding, infection, and movement when the horse bears weight.

MSD Veterinary Manual states that a true quarter crack originates at the coronary band and can lead to hoof wall instability, inflammation, and infection. Horses with sheared heels appear more prone to quarter cracks. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

A true quarter crack should never be dismissed as “just a split.”

If it is moving, bleeding, painful, or extending from the coronary band, it needs proper assessment.

Heel Cracks

Heel cracks may occur with:

• Sheared heels

• Contracted heels

• Thrush

• Poor caudal hoof support

• Uneven loading

• Wet, dirty conditions

• Deep sulcus infections

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that sheared heels create a severe imbalance of the foot and are commonly accompanied by hoof cracks, deep cracks between the heel bulbs, and thrush. Corrective trimming and shoeing are used to restore heel alignment and foot balance. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks are less common than vertical cracks.

They may occur after:

• Abscess rupture at the coronary band

• Coronary band trauma

• Growth disruption

• Severe systemic illness

• Nutritional or toxic causes in rare cases

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that horizontal cracks often follow an abscess that ruptured at the coronary band, while selenium toxicosis can cause horizontal cracks extending around the hoof wall circumference. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

A small old horizontal crack may simply grow down and out. A large circumferential crack, painful crack, or crack associated with abnormal hoof growth needs investigation.

Grass Cracks and Sand Cracks

Some terms vary by region, but generally:

• Grass cracks are often superficial cracks in long or dry hooves.

• Sand cracks are usually vertical cracks that may extend deeper and can be associated with coronary band injury, white line disease, or lameness.

University of Minnesota Extension notes that grass cracks commonly occur in long, unshod hooves and can often be corrected with trimming and shoeing. It also notes that sand cracks can result from coronary band injury or white line disease breaking out at the coronary band and may cause lameness. (University of Minnesota Extension)

When Is a Hoof Crack Cosmetic?

A hoof crack is more likely to be cosmetic when:

• It is shallow

• It is partial thickness

• It does not move when the horse bears weight

• There is no bleeding

• There is no drainage

• There is no smell

• The horse is not lame

• There is no pain at the coronary band

• It is not spreading upward

• The hoof wall around it is stable

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that most partial thickness hoof cracks do not cause lameness, so treatment may be cosmetic only. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Even then, “cosmetic” does not mean “ignore it forever.”

A small crack can become a bigger crack if the hoof is overdue, imbalanced, dry, flared, or repeatedly overloaded.

When Is a Hoof Crack Serious?

A hoof crack becomes more concerning when it is painful, unstable, infected, deep, or linked to lameness.

Red flags include:

• Lameness

• Crack movement when the horse bears weight

• Bleeding

• Pus or discharge

• Bad smell

• Heat in the hoof

• Strong digital pulse

• Pain when the crack is pressed

• Pain at the coronary band above the crack

• Crack extending to the coronary band

• Crack widening over time

• Crack associated with a loose shoe

• Crack associated with white line disease

• Recurrent cracks in the same location

• Hoof wall separation

• Sudden worsening after work

MSD Veterinary Manual states that lameness is usually present only with unstable or infected full thickness cracks. It also notes that if instability is present, the width of the crack changes when the hoof is loaded and unloaded. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

That loading movement is important. A crack that opens and closes with every step is not just a line. It is a moving defect in a load bearing structure.

How Worried Should You Be?

Low Risk

This is more likely when:

• The crack is small and superficial

• The horse is sound

• There is no discharge or smell

• The crack does not move under load

• The hoof is otherwise balanced

• The farrier cycle is current

Action: book routine farrier care, monitor the crack, correct early imbalance, and keep the hoof clean.

Moderate Risk

This is more likely when:

• The crack is deeper

• The hoof wall is flared

• The horse is overdue for trimming

• The crack is widening

• The shoe is loose or contributing to wall stress

• The crack is at the quarter or heel

• There is mild sensitivity but no obvious lameness

Action: arrange a farrier and veterinary review. The crack may need trimming changes, shoeing support, or early stabilisation.

High Risk

This is more likely when:

• The horse is lame

• The crack is full thickness

• The crack moves under load

• There is bleeding or drainage

• There is infection or smell

• The crack reaches the coronary band

• There is pain above the crack

• There is associated hoof wall separation

• The crack keeps recurring

Action: stop hard work and arrange prompt veterinary and farrier assessment. Radiographs, diagnostic analgesia, debridement, stabilisation, or therapeutic shoeing may be needed.

Critical

Treat this as urgent if:

• The horse is severely lame

• There is sudden severe foot pain

• There is a hot hoof and strong digital pulse

• There is pus, bleeding, or deep infection

• The crack is associated with a puncture wound

• There is major hoof wall instability

• The coronary band is injured

• A hoof abscess, laminitis, fracture, or deep infection is possible

Action: call your vet promptly. Do not patch, glue, or cover an infected or bleeding crack before it has been assessed.

When Is a Hoof Crack an Emergency?

Call your vet urgently if your horse has:

• Sudden or severe lameness

• Non weight bearing lameness

• Bleeding from the crack

• Pus, discharge, or foul smell

• A hot hoof

• A strong digital pulse

• Pain at the coronary band

• Swelling above the hoof

• A crack associated with a puncture wound

• A crack extending into sensitive tissue

• Rapid worsening over hours or days

• Signs of laminitis

• Concern for hoof abscess or deeper infection

A hoof crack itself is not always an emergency. A painful, infected, unstable, or rapidly worsening hoof crack can be.

The practical rule: if the crack hurts, moves, drains, smells, bleeds, or causes lameness, do not wait for the next routine farrier visit.

How Do Vets and Farriers Diagnose the Cause?

A proper hoof crack assessment should look beyond the visible split.

A vet and farrier may assess:

• Crack location

• Crack depth

• Crack stability under load

• Whether the crack reaches the coronary band

• Hoof pastern axis

• Toe length

• Heel support

• Medial to lateral balance

• Hoof wall flare

• White line separation

• Sheared heels

• Sole depth

• Shoe fit and placement

• Lameness

• Digital pulse

• Pain on palpation

• Hoof tester response

• Infection or drainage

• History of trauma or abscess

Most cracks are visible on exam, but MSD Veterinary Manual notes that small cracks near the coronary band or in the bar portion of the wall may require closer inspection. It also notes that foot radiography can help identify underlying hoof imbalance, and diagnostic analgesia may be needed to determine whether a crack is the actual source of lameness. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

That last point matters because a horse can have a hoof crack and be lame from something else.

The crack may be the culprit.

It may also be an innocent bystander with poor timing.

When Are X-Rays Needed?

Radiographs are useful when:

• The crack is recurrent

• The crack is severe

• The horse is lame

• The crack is full thickness

• The hoof capsule is distorted

• White line disease is suspected

• Laminitis is possible

• There is concern about coffin bone position

• Sole depth needs assessment

• The farrier needs internal alignment information

• Therapeutic shoeing is planned

• The crack does not respond to routine care

Radiographs can help assess internal hoof alignment, coffin bone position, sole depth, hoof wall thickness, balance, and whether deeper conditions are contributing.

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that radiography may help identify underlying hoof imbalance in horses with hoof cracks. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

In practice, X-rays are not needed for every tiny superficial crack. They become much more valuable when the hoof crack is painful, recurrent, distorted, infected, unstable, or part of a bigger lameness picture.

What Else Can Look Like a Simple Hoof Crack?

A visible crack may be the obvious problem, but other conditions may be involved.

Important rule outs include:

White Line Disease

White line disease can create hoof wall separation and cavities that weaken the wall. MSD Veterinary Manual notes that it often starts because of abnormal wall stress from poor foot shape or trimming, such as long toes or underrun heels, and that microorganisms can invade the separated space. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Hoof Abscess

An abscess may rupture at the coronary band and later leave a horizontal crack or defect as the hoof grows out.

Laminitis

Laminitis can distort the hoof capsule, stretch the white line, change growth rings, and create cracks or wall separation.

Keratoma

A keratoma is a hard horn mass between the coffin bone and hoof wall. It can cause wall distortion, lameness, and recurrent abscesses or defects. MSD Veterinary Manual notes that it may cause bulging at the coronary band or hoof wall and push the white line inward. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Sheared Heels

Sheared heels create uneven heel loading and can contribute to quarter cracks, heel cracks, thrush, and foot imbalance.

Coronary Band Injury

If the coronary band is damaged, the hoof wall that grows from that region may be permanently weakened or split.

Selenium Toxicity

This is uncommon, but important. MSD Veterinary Manual notes that selenium toxicosis can cause horizontal hoof cracks extending around the hoof wall circumference. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Poor Horn Quality

Weak hoof horn may crack more easily, especially with dry conditions, wet to dry cycling, poor nutrition, or genetic hoof quality.

How Are Hoof Wall Cracks Treated?

Treatment depends on whether the crack is superficial, painful, unstable, infected, or caused by another hoof problem.

The main goals are:

1. Identify the cause.

2. Correct mechanical stress.

3. Treat infection if present.

4. Stabilise the crack if needed.

5. Protect the hoof while it grows out.

6. Prevent recurrence.

MSD Veterinary Manual states that for lameness inducing hoof cracks, such as true quarter cracks, treatment goals include identifying and treating underlying causes, debriding affected tissue, and stabilising the hoof wall when necessary. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Corrective Trimming

Corrective trimming aims to reduce abnormal forces on the cracked section of hoof wall.

This may involve:

• Shortening a long toe

• Improving breakover

• Removing flares

• Correcting medial to lateral imbalance

• Improving heel support

• Reducing leverage on the crack

• Preventing the crack from bearing excessive load

University of Minnesota Extension highlights easy breakover, adequate heel support, and medial to lateral balance as key elements of hoof balance. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Therapeutic Shoeing

Shoeing may be used to stabilise the hoof capsule and redistribute force.

Options may include:

• Bar shoes

• Full support shoes

• Clips

• Pads

• Floating the affected wall

• Lateral or medial support

• Heel support

• Shoes designed to reduce movement at the crack

The correct shoe depends on the crack location, hoof shape, lameness, horse discipline, and radiographic findings.

Floating the Crack

Floating means relieving the cracked section of hoof wall so it does not bear direct weight.

University of Minnesota Extension lists floating the hoof wall as one treatment option for sand cracks, along with identifying the cause and patching where appropriate. (University of Minnesota Extension)

This can be useful, but it needs to be done carefully. If you remove support from the wrong area, the hoof may become more unstable.

Debridement

If the crack contains infected, dead, loose, or undermined horn, debridement may be needed.

This should be done carefully by a vet or experienced farrier.

The goal is to remove diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy hoof wall as possible.

Stabilisation

Some cracks need mechanical stabilisation to stop movement while the hoof grows out.

Methods may include:

• Lacing

• Wiring

• Screws and plates

• Acrylic or composite repair

• Fibreglass

• Patch materials

• Specialised shoes or clips

MSD Veterinary Manual notes that many repair techniques and shoeing options exist, and that the goal is to achieve adequate stability of the hoof wall adjacent to the crack. Stabilisation with proper trimming or shoeing may allow some horses to continue working while the crack grows out. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Treating Infection

If there is infection, drainage, smell, bleeding, or sensitive tissue involvement, the crack should not simply be sealed over.

MSD Veterinary Manual specifically warns that infected or bleeding cracks should not be completely covered by a patch or adhesive because an abscess could form. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

This is a major point.

Do not trap infection under a pretty repair.

That is how the hoof gets a cosmetic makeover and a medical downgrade at the same time.

Rest or Reduced Work

Some horses can continue light work with proper stabilisation and farrier support. Others need rest, especially if the crack is painful, infected, unstable, or associated with lameness.

The work plan should be based on:

• Lameness

• Crack stability

• Treatment method

• Infection status

• Discipline

• Surface

• Farrier support

• Veterinary advice

How Long Does a Hoof Crack Take To Heal?

A hoof crack heals by growing out with the hoof wall.

This takes time.

University of Minnesota Extension notes that it usually takes 9 to 12 months for a horse’s hoof to grow out. (University of Minnesota Extension)

That does not mean every horse is out of work for 9 to 12 months. It means the visible crack may take that long to fully grow down and disappear.

Recovery depends on:

• Crack location

• Crack depth

• Whether the coronary band is involved

• Whether infection is present

• Whether the crack is stabilised

• Whether the underlying cause is corrected

• Hoof growth rate

• Season

• Nutrition

• Footing

• Workload

• Farrier schedule

A crack may look better within weeks if stabilised, but the hoof wall still needs months to replace the damaged horn.

Can Hoof Moisturisers or Supplements Fix Cracks?

Sometimes hoof moisturisers and nutrition support can help hoof quality, but they do not fix a mechanical crack by themselves.

University of Minnesota Extension lists dry weather, wet to dry changes, long trimming intervals, long toes, and poor hoof quality as causes of hoof cracks. It also notes that moisturisers may help during dry weather or brittle hoof periods, while nutrition and hoof supplements may help poor hoof quality. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Nutrition matters most when the horse has poor horn quality, poor diet, or trace mineral imbalance.

Potential hoof support nutrients include:

• Biotin

• Methionine

• Zinc

• Copper

• Iodine

• Adequate protein

• Balanced minerals

• Good forage

• Clean water

University of Minnesota Extension notes that poor quality hooves may benefit from hoof products containing biotin, iodine, methionine, and zinc, while also emphasising good hay, correct supplementation, clean water, and working with veterinarians or nutritionists. (University of Minnesota Extension)

But here is the clinical reality:

If the crack is caused by long toes, imbalance, sheared heels, white line disease, or a moving full thickness defect, supplements alone will not solve it.

They may help future horn quality.

They will not remove the mechanical stress causing the current crack.

What Should You Do Right Now?

If you find a hoof crack, do this:

1. Check Whether the Horse Is Lame

Walk the horse on safe, level ground if appropriate.

Do not trot a severely lame horse.

2. Look Closely at the Crack

Check:

• Location

• Depth

• Whether it reaches the coronary band

• Whether it opens under load

• Bleeding

• Drainage

• Bad smell

• Dirt packed into the crack

• Heat

• Pain

• Loose shoe

• White line separation

3. Compare the Other Feet

Look for long toes, low heels, flares, uneven wear, sheared heels, or similar cracks.

4. Clean Gently

Pick out the foot and remove surface debris.

Do not dig deeply into the crack.

Do not pour harsh chemicals into sensitive tissue.

5. Call Your Farrier

If the crack is superficial and the horse is sound, your farrier may be the first call.

6. Call Your Vet If There Are Red Flags

Call your vet if there is lameness, bleeding, drainage, smell, pain, heat, instability, or coronary band involvement.

7. Do Not Patch Over Infection

If the crack is wet, bleeding, draining, painful, or smelly, do not seal it with acrylic or adhesive before it has been properly assessed.

8. Review the Farrier Cycle

If your horse is overdue, that may be part of the problem.

MSD Veterinary Manual recommends regular trimming at 4 to 8 week intervals for good hoof and leg balance. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Common Mistakes Owners Make

Treating the Crack but Not the Cause

Patching a crack without correcting hoof balance is one of the fastest ways to invite recurrence.

Waiting Until the Horse Is Lame

A crack that moves, deepens, or heads toward the coronary band should be addressed before it becomes a painful lameness case.

Sealing Infection Inside

Never cover an infected or bleeding crack completely with adhesive or patch material before it has been treated. MSD specifically warns this can lead to abscess formation. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Letting Farrier Intervals Drift

Long toes and drawn out trimming intervals increase mechanical stress on the wall. University of Minnesota Extension lists drawn out trimming intervals and long toes as causes of hoof cracks. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Assuming Barefoot or Shod Is Automatically Better

Barefoot horses can crack. Shod horses can crack. The real issue is balance, support, horn quality, environment, workload, and the individual hoof.

Overusing Oils While Ignoring Mechanics

Moisture management may help brittle horn, but oils do not fix long toes, sheared heels, white line disease, or full thickness instability.

Ignoring Recurrent Cracks

A crack that returns in the same place often has an underlying cause. Think balance, coronary band defect, white line disease, keratoma, or chronic hoof distortion.

How Can Hoof Wall Cracks Be Prevented?

Prevention is about reducing abnormal stress and supporting healthy hoof growth.

Practical steps include:

• Maintain regular farrier care

• Keep trimming or shoeing intervals appropriate for the horse

• Avoid long toes

• Maintain good breakover

• Support heels properly

• Correct medial to lateral imbalance

• Treat white line disease early

• Address sheared heels

• Manage thrush and deep heel infections

• Keep hooves clean and inspected

• Avoid prolonged wet, muddy, manure heavy environments where possible

• Avoid repeated wet to dry hoof cycling where practical

• Provide balanced nutrition

• Monitor hoof wall flares

• Use radiographs when cracks recur or hoof distortion is significant

• Work with a vet and farrier team rather than patching repeatedly

University of Minnesota Extension recommends regular trimming or shoeing, good hoof balance, appropriate shoeing for footing and weather, proper disease treatment, and proper nutrition to reduce hoof problems. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Prevention is not glamorous. It is consistent.

Hooves usually do not collapse into chaos overnight. They drift there one missed cycle, one long toe, one flare, one wet season, one loose shoe at a time.

Myth vs Reality

Myth	Reality
“Hoof cracks are only cosmetic.”	Some are, but unstable, infected, full thickness, or painful cracks can cause lameness.
“Patching fixes the problem.”	Patching may stabilise the crack, but the underlying cause still needs correction.
“If the horse is not lame, it does not matter.”	A crack can worsen before lameness appears, especially if it is moving or deepening.
“Hoof oil will fix cracks.”	Moisture support may help brittle horn, but it does not correct hoof imbalance or instability.
“Barefoot horses do not get cracks.”	Barefoot and shod horses can both develop cracks if the hoof is imbalanced or overloaded.
“You should seal every crack.”	Infected or bleeding cracks should not be completely sealed because this can trap infection.

FAQs About Hoof Wall Cracks in Horses

Can a hoof wall crack heal on its own?

Small superficial cracks may grow out with regular trimming and good hoof care. Deep, unstable, infected, painful, or recurrent cracks usually need vet and farrier assessment.

When should I call a vet for a hoof crack?

Call your vet if the horse is lame, the crack bleeds or drains, there is a bad smell, the hoof is hot, the crack reaches the coronary band, the crack moves under load, or infection is suspected.

Can I ride a horse with a hoof crack?

It depends on the crack. A small stable superficial crack in a sound horse may not stop work. A painful, unstable, infected, full thickness, or worsening crack should not be worked until assessed.

How long does a hoof crack take to grow out?

A hoof crack grows out with the hoof wall, which commonly takes around 9 to 12 months for a full hoof cycle. The horse may improve earlier if the crack is stabilised and the cause is corrected. (University of Minnesota Extension)

Do hoof supplements help cracks?

They may help poor hoof quality over time if nutrition is part of the problem. They do not fix mechanical causes such as long toes, poor balance, sheared heels, white line disease, or an unstable full thickness crack.

The Bottom Line

A hoof wall crack is not just a cosmetic line in the hoof. It is a sign that the hoof wall has failed somewhere.

Sometimes that failure is minor.

Sometimes it reflects deeper mechanical stress, infection, coronary band damage, white line disease, sheared heels, or poor hoof quality.

The best treatment is not simply covering the crack. It is identifying why it formed, correcting the stress, stabilising the hoof when needed, treating infection if present, and giving the hoof time to grow out properly.

A good vet and farrier team is the difference between chasing the same crack every few months and actually solving the reason it keeps coming back.

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If your horse has a hoof crack and you are unsure whether it is cosmetic, painful, infected, or linked to hoof imbalance, ASK A VET™ can help you organise the signs, understand the urgency, and decide when hands-on veterinary and farrier assessment is needed.