Horse Hoof Problem Finder
Tell us what you're seeing in the hoof and get the likely issue, what to do right now, when to call the vet or farrier, and helpful resources.
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. Hoof problems can look alike and some turn serious fast — when in doubt, your farrier and vet are the people to call.
Vetted brands that can help
InfoHorse sells nothing — these are listed by Ann's vetting, never by who pays.
When a hoof problem is an emergency
Most hoof trouble is manageable with good farrier care and time — but a few signs mean call your vet right away: a horse that won't bear weight at all, a rocked-back laminitic stance with heat and a bounding pulse in both front feet, a rapidly worsening swelling up the leg, a fever, or any wound that reaches sensitive structures or the coronet band. When you're not sure how serious it is, treat it as serious and make the call. "No hoof, no horse" cuts both ways — small problems caught early stay small.
