Article of the month:

Hoof Cracks – when to worry and what to do.

In previous articles I have explained that your horse’s hoof is alive and able to expand and contract, harden and soften. Many of these changes are a result of environment, health and feed but other hoof changes are due to conformation, shoeing/trimming frequency, riding conditions and pain, just to name a few more. This article will discuss vertical hoof cracks only. There are more severe cracks like coronary band cracks, quarter cracks and horizontal cracks that need a more in-depth explanation and for that reason will not be part of this article.

Hoof cracks are easy to spot if the hoof is clean. Vertical cracks that begin at the ground surface and if only partial in thickness, will cause few problems. However, they often indicate a decrease in the quality of the hoof wall. **



· The surface crack (1) usually will not cause any lameness or specific shoeing. A good balanced trim should do the tick here.
· The Partial thickness crack (2) is a bit more sever but again, does not usually cause lameness but needs to be attended to because it will get worse. A shoe with or without clips will help this type of crack from entering the sensitive tissue.
· The full thickness crack (3) may cause lameness or tenderness because this crack goes straight through to the sensitive tissue. Proper trimming and a shoe is usually applied here to prevent the crack from getting worse and aid in the healing process. Although this crack is serious it can be rehabilitated with the proper shoes, fillers and farrier service.
· The inside out crack (4) is considered a full thickness crack. It is theorized that this type of crack is caused by the ground forces traveling up the inner and softer portion of the hoof wall and along the path of least resistance. This crack is usually treated as a full thickness crack.

Cracks are considered chronic or treatable; hoof wall cracks should be evaluated and treated as soon as they are seen. Some chronic cracks are manageable and do not cause any pain or issues in horses that are not worked but can be very difficult to resolve. There are many products and options available that help treat and heal hoof cracks. Your farrier can discuss with you any concerns and treatment options available.

In conclusion, a hoof crack should always be addressed. Talk to your Farrier, he/she will be able to tell you which cracks are superficial and which ones may need treatment. Either way, do not worry too much because hoof cracks are very common and most are treatable and will cause little or no lameness.

Thanks for reading and Happy Riding
Debi Gurdock – Farrier Services
724-840-8389 – www.debi.mysite.com


Debi Gurdock
Farrier Services
724-840-8389
www.debi.mysite.com