Hoof Cracks in Horses and How to Treat Them [Guide]

Hoof Anatomy
Hoof Cracks
Types
Treatment
White Line Disease
Nutrition

Horses are prone to hoof cracks for various reasons. Cracks can lead to the hoof chipping away in certain areas.

Cracks can be a cosmetic problem that can be easily corrected, but sometimes, they indicate something more serious is happening within the hoof.

Cracks often form in the hoof wall in a vertical direction, following the hoof tubules. They often originate from the bottom hoof surface or, less commonly, the coronary band. At times, a hoof crack may run the entire length of the hoof wall.

Cracks can also run horizontally, but these are less common and often have a different cause than those running vertically.

Hoof cracks can involve just the outer hoof wall or can invade the underlying sensitive structures and laminae. ^[1] Depending on the severity, cracks may or may not cause lameness.

Hoof cracks are usually described by their location, length (partial or full), and the presence or absence of bleeding and/or infection. In many cases, the underlying hoof damage is considerably more extensive than what is seen from the outside. ^[2]

Hoof Anatomy

A horse’s outer hoof comprises three main parts: the wall, sole, and frog.

The hoof wall (seen when the horse is standing) can be divided into three parts: the toe (front), quarters (sides) and heel (back). The sole and frog are visible when the hoof is lifted.

The hoof wall is made of keratin, a tough protein with low moisture content. Keratin is very strong and also insensitive, similar to human fingernails.

Along with the sole and frog, the hoof wall bears the horse’s weight while protecting sensitive structures inside the hoof capsule.

One of the most important structures in the hoof is the laminae, finger-like tissue projections that help attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone. The laminae also help the hoof maintain its structural integrity despite tremendous forces exerted by the horse. ^[3]

Hoof Wall

The hoof wall consists of three distinct layers:

The stratum externum, or periople, is the thin, outermost layer of the hoof wall
The stratum medium, or tubular horn, makes up the middle and thickest layer of the hoof wall
The stratum internum which arises from the lamellar epidermis and, when combined with the laminae, attaches the hoof wall to the coffin bone (distal phalanx) ^[3]

Normally, the hoof wall grows at a rate of about 3/8 inch per month. New layers of hoof wall are continuously produced just below the coronary band, where the skin and hoof wall meet. ^[4]

The hoof is directly affected by nutrition and hydration. Load, limb conformation, and foot care also affect hoof shape. ^[4]

Causes of Hoof Cracks

Researchers believe most hoof cracks occur due to foot imbalance, either side to side or front to back (long toe/low heel conformation). ^[6]

Other causes of hoof cracks include:

Improper or neglectful trimming/shoeing
Hoof disease
Coronary band defects
Thin walls
Poor/improper nutrition
Dry or overly moist hooves
Trauma to the hoof ^[7]^[8]

Some horses, such as Thoroughbreds, may be genetically predisposed to having low heels and a long toe, as well as thin hoof walls. Therefore, they may be more prone to hoof cracks. ^[8]

Types of Hoof Cracks

Hoof cracks may be referred to as grass cracks (originating from the toe) or sand cracks (originating from the coronary band).

Horse owners also classify cracks by the part of the hoof they affect: toe, quarter, or heel.

Toe Cracks

Toe cracks occur in the front third of the hoof. They primarily occur in the front feet since the horse bears more weight in the front. This type of crack can arise if the toe grows too long, placing excess pressure on that area. ^[5]

Toe cracks may also occur secondary to white line disease. Additionally, horses with excessively upright or club feet, with added stress at the front of the hoof are prone to chronic toe cracks. ^[5]

Quarter Cracks

Quarter cracks are vertical cracks that occur at the side of the hoof wall. They usually originate at the top of the hoof, beginning at the coronary band and proceeding toward the bottom of the hoof.

A true quarter crack is a fracture that can lead to instability, inflammation, and infection. ^[9] Quarter cracks are more likely to cause lameness than toe cracks.

Quarter cracks can have numerous causes, including:

Trauma to the coronary band
Pre-existing damage to the corium from infection
Abnormal hoof conformation
Foot imbalances
Conformational abnormalities affecting the limbs
Shoes that are too short
Abnormal landing pattern
Poor hoof wall quality from genetics, nutrition, or environment ^[5]^[7]^[9]

Like toe cracks, quarter cracks most often occur in the front feet. However, they are occasionally seen in the hind feet as well. ^[7] They are often associated with side-to-side foot imbalance or sheared heels. ^[10]

Ideally, horses with full-thickness quarter cracks should be taken out of work and allowed time to heal while corrections are made in hoof care.

If the horse must remain in training or competition, repair and stabilization of the crack are necessary before hoof distortions, and soft tissue displacements can be corrected. ^[5]

Heel Cracks

Heel cracks occur at the back of the hoof below the heel bulbs. They are often caused by shoes that shift to the side or are too small to support the entire heel.

Overstriking, where the horse hits the back of a front foot while overreaching from behind, is another common cause of heel cracks.

Like quarter cracks, heel cracks may also cause lameness.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks in the hoof usually result from trauma to the coronary band or can occur after an abscess has burst at the coronary band.

They do not commonly cause lameness and will eventually grow out of the hoof wall. ^[1]^[11]

Cracks Involving the Coronary Band

The coronary band is the junction between the skin of the lower limb and the hoof wall.

Cracks involving the coronary band may cause lameness. The coronary band may be painful to the touch, and the edges may move apart when the horse puts weight on that foot. ^[12]

If an infection is present, it must be treated before attempting to stabilize the hoof crack. The horse should also be updated on tetanus vaccination if needed. ^[12]

Cracks that involve the coronary band may need hoof stabilization with a bar shoe and restricted exercise. ^[13]

Coronary band damage may lead to permanent scarring and long-term hoof complications. The resulting cracks will need constant care and supervision. ^[12]

Treating Hoof Cracks

Addressing hoof imbalances and treating infections should be the first priority with hoof cracks in horses. Some complicated cracks may require the removal of affected tissues or stabilization and therapy.

Treatment may also depend on whether or not the horse can be taken out of work or training for a period or if they need to remain in work (barring any lameness). ^[1]^[9]

Because most hoof cracks are caused by foot imbalance, correcting the imbalance should help to solve the problem. Routine hoof care will ensure that superficial crack(s) completely grow out and don’t return.

If poor hoof quality or environmental factors are to blame, these issues should be addressed through management. ^[14] Certain nutritional supplements can help strengthen overall hoof quality. ^[8]

Avoid turnout in excessively wet or dry ground conditions to prevent further hoof damage. Adding moisture to excessively dry feet can help with superficial cracks.

Farrier Care

Sometimes, farriers will cut a horizontal groove in the hoof above the crack (often called “grooving”) to stop the upward progression of the crack. However, this treatment may further weaken the hoof and isn’t always recommended. ^[6]^[8]

Special shoes, such as straight bar, egg bar, z-bar, and heart bar shoes, may be helpful for stabilizing hooves. Sometimes, this form of stabilization is enough to allow the horse to continue performing, even with a significant crack. ^[7]

For some types of severe cracks, a skilled farrier can wire or lace the crack together through horizontal holes drilled through the hoof. This is then further stabilized with fibreglass or acrylic patches placed over the crack. A shoe with full-bar clips is also needed if this method is used. ^[12]

Veterinary Care

Sometimes hoof cracks are filled with composite materials to help stabilize the hoof. Many veterinarians also recommend using fabric such as spectra, fibreglass, or kevlar in the repair. ^[7]

Cracks that are infected or have exposed tissue should be opened to encourage drainage. Any further repair should allow for continued drainage and prevent an abscess from forming.

Infected or exposed areas can also be protected by applying modelling clay or hoof putty and placing a drain tube along the crack for the length of the repair. ^[7]

The damaged hoof wall may take 4-12 months to be replaced. So long as the underlying cause of the crack is addressed and the hoof care is maintained, healing should occur. ^[5]

White Line Disease

White line disease (WLD) can cause hoof cracks of a more severe nature. However, the term “white line disease” is a misnomer because it doesn’t involve the white line.

Instead, this disease causes a separation of the hoof wall that occurs near the white line, allowing destructive bacteria or fungal agents to invade the space. ^[5]

White line disease may also be called seedy toe, hoof rot, or hollow wall. ^[5]

WLD might result from direct trauma with subsequent damage to underlying soft tissue attachments, excessive exposure to moisture, or mechanical tearing away of the wall from its attachments. A combination of these factors may also cause it. ^[5]

WLD is most prevalent in areas with high moisture and warm temperatures. It is less common in mountainous and arid regions. In many instances, the owner may not notice the hoof wall separation, but the farrier may notice it upon trimming or shoeing. ^[5]

In more severely affected horses, lameness may be present. If the hoof wall separation is severe enough, you may also hear a hollow sound when tapping on the hoof. A veterinarian can determine the depth of the separation with a flexible probe and radiographs. ^[5]

Treatment

Treating WLD often begins by removing the separated wall and horny shelf that tends to retain moisture and foreign material. This is known as hoof wall resection.

After the affected hoof wall has been removed, the hoof is usually shod, if possible, to protect the remaining unaffected hoof wall, unsupported sole, and exposed lamellar tissues. Bandages or glue-on shoes are other alternatives. ^[5]

The horse should be kept in a dry area, and topical medication such as 2% iodine or merthiolate can be used to clean the hoof. Repeated hoof wall resections may be needed in order to correct the problem and the horse should not be used for work in the meantime. ^[5]

Nutrition for Hooves

Good nutrition is essential for many reasons, but the quality of the horse’s diet is often directly reflected in the strength of their hooves.

Feeding good quality forage, vitamins and minerals, and plenty of fresh, clean water is vital for every horse’s diet.

Providing adequate protein (such as alfalfa and soy) also supports the hooves and overall health.

When it comes to improving hoof health, ensure that your horse is getting enough of the following nutrients:

Biotin – 20 milligrams per day
Methionine – 7500 milligrams per day
Zinc – 400 milligrams per day
Copper – 100 mg milligrams per day

Keep in mind that hoof growth is a slow process, and it can take 6-12 months to notice significant effects from biotin or other supplements. ^[10] Plan on feeding these nutrients for the long term!

Conclusion

Hoof cracks can be a frustrating condition to deal with for any horse owner. Understanding the root cause of the crack will help facilitate proper treatment.

Make sure to get your farrier and veterinarian involved for more severe cracks, especially those that may be caused by white line disease.

To help your horse recover from a hoof crack, feed a balanced, forage-based diet that provides adequate protein, vitamins and trace minerals.

Consider feeding an all-in-one equine vitamin and mineral supplement, such as Mad Barn’s Omneity, as part of your horse’s daily ration.

Omneity provides all the nutrients needed to grow strong, robust hooves in a convenient formula that balances most forages and grain-based diets.