What causes hoof bruising in horses?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Hoof bruising in horses is most often caused by concussion, hard or uneven ground, stones, or feet that have been under strain. It can also happen if the hoof is a bit unbalanced, the shoe is loose, or the sole has been sore from wear. In many cases it settles with sensible management, but it’s worth keeping an eye on because bruising can look similar to other hoof problems.

Things To Check

1. Notice when the lameness or soreness appears, such as after turnout, ridden work, or walking on hard ground.

2. Look for any obvious heat in the hoof, a stronger digital pulse, or the horse favouring one foot.

3. Check the sole and frog for stones, a dropped shoe, a loose shoe, or any uneven wear.

4. Compare both front feet or both hind feet, as bruising is sometimes easier to spot when one side looks different.

5. See whether the horse has recently worked on stony tracks, hard roads, frozen ground, or very dry footing.

6. Check whether the hoof is due a trim, as a long toe or unbalanced foot can add strain.

7. Watch for a change in movement on turns, circles, or when going downhill.

8. Think back to any recent changes in shoeing, workload, turnout, or ground conditions.

Common Causes

The most common cause is repeated concussion from hard or stony ground, especially if the horse is barefoot or the footing has changed suddenly.

Bruising can also happen if a shoe has shifted, the foot is slightly unbalanced, or the sole has been pared too close and has less natural protection.

Occasionally, a hoof bruise follows a knock or a small stone trapped under the foot, and it may be more noticeable after exercise.

Less commonly, what looks like bruising may be linked to another hoof issue such as an abscess, inflammation in the foot, or a more general cause of lameness.

What To Do

Keep the horse on suitable footing where possible and avoid unnecessary work on hard or uneven ground until the soreness settles.

Pick out the feet regularly and check for stones, loose shoes, or signs that the hoof has changed shape or balance.

If the horse is shod, speak to your farrier about whether the current trim or shoeing setup is giving enough support for the ground you’re working on.

If the horse is barefoot, look at whether turnout and exercise routes have become more demanding than usual, and try to reduce exposure to very hard surfaces for a while.

Make a note of when the problem starts, how long it lasts, and whether it is improving, as that can help if you need advice later.

Products That May Help

Keeping hooves, legs and muddy turnout areas clean and well managed can be useful as part of a sensible routine when a horse is prone to foot soreness or bruising concerns.

Hoof, Leg & Mud Care

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