You can do this
Daily hoof check
A short daily look and feel to notice changes to the hooves early.
✓Daily care you can do yourself. If in doubt, call a farrier or vet.
What it is for
Checking every day means you quickly notice heat, swelling, a strong pulse or a loose shoe. Noticing early makes a real difference with problems like laminitis.
Safe steps
- Check that all four hooves are clean and intact, with no new cracks or crumbling.
- Feel whether the hoof wall is about as warm as usual, comparing left with right.
- On shod horses, check the shoe is tight and the clenches are not sticking out.
- Watch that the horse stands and walks normally, with no signs of pain.
Do not do yourself
- Do not wait out warning signs such as a strong, pounding pulse or clear lameness.
- Do not treat heat or pain yourself with painkillers without talking to the vet.
When to call a professional
If you notice heat in the hoof together with a strong pulse, sudden lameness or a horse that will not walk, call the vet at once.
Discover more
Sources: British Horse Society · Blue Cross.