Hoof cracks are relatively common in horses. They can result from a variety of factors, from hard footing to hoof imbalances and even inadequate nutrition. Some are purely cosmetic, while others can lead to pain, lameness, or infection if ignored. The trick is knowing the difference and acting before a small blemish becomes a big problem.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to deal with a horse’s hoof crack—from identifying what type you’re looking at to deciding whether you can manage it at home or should call in the professionals.
Where Is the Hoof Crack Located?
Hoof wall cracks can appear at the hoof’s toe, heel, or along the sides, areas known as the quarters. Cracks might start at the hoof’s bottom edge and work their way up or start at the coronary band and work their way down. The underside of the hoof—the sole and bars—can also sustain cracks, usually due to an impact.
Quarter cracks, some of the most troublesome, can be caused by uneven loading or torsion that stems from conformation defects or hoof imbalance. Often starting at the coronary band and spreading downward, they can be deep and painful, affecting the sensitive tissues (the laminae) within the hoof.
Any defect in a hoof wall is cause for concern. The action required, however, depends on the nature of the crack. We’ve listed the types of hoof cracks—generally speaking—from least to most worrisome.
Related Reading: Horse Hoof Anatomy: What Every Owner Should Know
Not-So-Serious Cracks
Small, vertical cracks that start at ground level and extend upward an inch or less. These typically resolve with the next farrier visit and require no further action.
Horizontal cracks an inch or less wide that originate at the coronary band and grow downward as the hoof does. Cracks like this are typically associated with a minor, healed trauma to the coronary band that briefly interrupted hoof production. As the hoof grows out, the crack migrates downward to eventually grow out entirely. Chances are no intervention will be needed during this process.
More Worrisome Defects
Vertical cracks at the bottom of the hoof that continue around the bottom of the foot to affect the sole. You’ll need to pick up the hoof and perhaps clean it a bit to look for this. If the crack appears to involve any structures other than the hoof wall, it could become a more significant issue. Mention this to your farrier and veterinarian. Then keep a close watch for signs that it might be more than just a superficial defect.
Long, persistent vertical cracks. Cracks that extend more than an inch up the hoof and never seem to grow out and go away can be signs of a chronically unbalanced hoof. Even if the crack is thin and stable, work with your farrier to identify the cause. You’ll also want to determine if a new approach to trimming and shoeing might be needed.
Serious Concerns
Cracks that spread wider with each step, bleed, or are associated with lameness. A crack with any of these characteristics is cause for an immediate call to your veterinarian and farrier. A combined effort from those two professionals can typically resolve most problems, but the longer it waits, the more damage will be done.
Treatment for more serious cracks often involves balancing and stabilizing the hoof with a shoe, which may be an adhesive shoe, and sometimes wire sutures or patching materials, such as polyurethanes or acrylics. The goal of these materials is to immobilize the crack so new hoof can grow down from the coronary band without splitting. Heel cracks can prove difficult because there’s not much hoof to help with the stabilizing effort.
Related Reading: How to Find a Farrier for Your Horse
Preventing Hoof Cracks
Here are a few things you can do to maintain healthy hooves:
- Clean and inspect your horse’s feet daily.
- Choose the best-qualified farrier available to keep hooves properly balanced.
- Maintain a farrier schedule that’s optimum for your horse.
- Use bell boots to avoid or minimize coronary band injuries.
- Provide proper nutrition and supplements to enable your horse to grow healthy hooves.
- Avoid keeping your horse in an environment that is too wet, too dry, or too hard.
Related Reading: Recognizing the Signs of Hoof Problems in Your Horse
This content originally ran on EquusMagazine.com and HorseandRider.com.
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