There’s no doubt that hoof cracks can be frustrating to deal with.
The cause isn’t always straightforward, but digging a little deeper can help you figure it out in order to correct the problem. The fact is that most hoof cracks are due to foot imbalance, either from side to side or front to back.
However, here are a few other causes:
Improper or neglectful hoof care
Hoof disease
Coronary band defects
Thin hoof walls
Poor nutrition
Excessive dryness or moisture
Trauma to the hoof
TYPES OF HOOF CRACKS
There are four general types of hoof cracks in horses:
Toe Cracks occur in the first third of the hoof and mainly affect the front feet. They often happen
if the toe grows too long, but they can also occur if a horse has white line disease or excessively
upright or club feet.
Quarter Cracks are vertical cracks occurring on the side of the hoof. They usually start at the
coronary band and move downward. Quarter cracks can lead to inflammation and possible
infection of the hoof, and they may cause lameness. They usually occur in the front feet but can
occur in the hind feet as well.
Heel Cracks affect the back of the hoof, just below the heel bulbs. They are usually caused by
ill-fitting shoes but can be the result of overstriking as well. Heel cracks may or may not cause
lameness.
Horizontal Cracks result from trauma to the coronary band or from an abscess that has burst
at the coronary band. They do not usually cause lameness and will eventually grow out on their
own.
TREATING HOOF CRACKS
The best way to deal with hoof cracks is first to treat any underlying infections. Then, seek the
help of an experienced hoof care provider to balance your horse’s hooves. Special shoes may
be needed with severe hoof cracks, but oftentimes, correcting the hoof imbalance should solve
the problem. Routine hoof care is important to keep the cracks from returning.
If moisture or dryness is a problem, management changes may be needed. Nutrition also plays
an important part in preventing hoof cracks. Feeding good-quality forage, adequate protein, and
appropriate vitamins and minerals (especially zinc and copper) are all important. However, keep
in mind that hooves grow slowly, so it may take the better part of a year to notice the effects of
your supplements.
Have you ever dealt with hoof cracks? If so, please share your the experience in the
comments!
