Laminitis is one of the most painful and serious conditions a horse can experience. It affects the sensitive lamellae of the hoof, which hold the bone in place, and can lead to irreversible damage if not identified and treated early. We spoke with professional farriers Marc and Anthony Ward, of Highlander Farriers, about how laminitis occurs and how proper nutrition and hoof care, including the use of Royal Feeds’ sugar-free feed and “Bone Promoter” supplement, can help.
Early Detection of Laminitis
According to Marc and Anthony, early detection is crucial in preventing further damage. Look out for the following signs:
- Horses shifting weight off their front hooves.
- Heat and inflammation around the white line of the hoof.
- A careful, eggshell walking pattern.
- Bruising on the sole of the hoof.
Regular visits from a farrier make it possible to detect changes in hoof structure before they become a serious problem. “We always check the weight-bearing areas and look for white line stretching and bruising in the sole, which can indicate laminitis,” explains Marc.
The Role of Hoof Care and Trimming
Balance and even trimming are essential to preventing and managing laminitis. According to Anthony, a healthy-growing hoof helps maintain balance. “If a horse’s hooves grow slowly due to poor nutrition, it becomes harder to maintain balance during trimming. This is why a quality supplement like Royal Feeds’ ‘Bone Promoter’ is important for healthy hooves.”
Additionally, hoof care must be adjusted for different weather conditions:
- In wet conditions, hooves must be kept dry with appropriate supplements.
- In dry conditions, hooves must be moisturised to prevent brittleness.
Collaboration with a Veterinarian
Farriers and veterinarians work together to develop a treatment plan for horses with laminitis. “When we examine a horse with laminitis, we refer the owner to a vet for X-rays so we can create a plan on the appropriate shoes or treatment,” explains Anthony.
Shoes used for laminitis include:
- Reverse shoes
- W-shoes
- Clog shoes
The Importance of Nutrition in Preventing Laminitis
One of the most common causes of laminitis is high-sugar diets. “Many owners overfeed their horses or use feeds with too much sugar, which can lead to insulin-related laminitis,” says Marc.
Royal Feeds’ sugar-free feed offers a solution by providing healthy nutrition without the risk of high sugar levels. “The right nutrition supports healthy hoof growth, making it easier for us to maintain balanced trimming,” adds Anthony.
The Right Environment for Healthy Hooves
In addition to nutrition and trimming, a horse’s environment also plays an important role:
- Thick shavings or river sand in stalls provide softer support for laminitic horses.
- Sufficient turnout time ensures that horses move naturally and consume a diverse diet.
- Clean stables help prevent infections like thrush and other fungal conditions.
Real-Life Cases
Marc and Anthony have seen multiple severe laminitis cases, including one where the pedal bone penetrated the hoof. “It’s a terrifying situation, but with a combination of veterinary treatment and proper hoof care, we managed to help the horse recover,” says Marc.
Laminitis is a serious condition that can be prevented through regular hoof care, proper nutrition, and collaboration between veterinarians and farriers. Royal Feeds’ sugar-free feed and Bone Promoter supplement play a key role in supporting healthy hooves and preventing laminitis.
By being aware of early warning signs, consulting a professional farrier regularly, and making the right nutritional choices, horse owners can help keep their horses healthy and happy.
