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![Hoof Cracks in Horses and How to Treat Them [Guide]](/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hoof-Cracks-in-Horses.jpg)
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]
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about hoof cracks in horses:
Hoof cracks in horses are splits or fractures in the hoof wall that can range from minor cosmetic defects to more serious structural problems. They most often run vertically along the hoof tubules, but horizontal cracks can also occur. Some cracks affect only the outer hoof wall, while others extend into sensitive internal tissues. Whether a crack causes pain depends on its depth, location, and whether infection or instability is present.
Hoof cracks in horses are most commonly caused by foot imbalance, either from side-to-side unevenness or a long toe and low heel pattern. Other contributing causes include poor or irregular trimming and shoeing, thin hoof walls, trauma, hoof disease, coronary band defects, poor nutrition, and very wet or very dry hoof conditions. In many horses, more than one factor is involved at the same time. Finding and correcting the underlying cause is one of the most important parts of treatment.
Certain hoof traits make horses more likely to develop cracks because they place uneven stress on the hoof wall. Long toe and low heel conformation, side-to-side imbalance, upright feet, and club feet can all concentrate force in ways that weaken specific parts of the hoof. Thin hoof walls also increase the risk because they provide less structural strength. Thoroughbreds are one example of a breed that may be more prone to recurring cracks because of these traits.
Horses can get toe cracks, quarter cracks, heel cracks, and horizontal cracks. Toe cracks usually affect the front third of the hoof and are especially common in the front feet, while quarter cracks occur along the sides of the hoof wall and often start at the coronary band. Heel cracks occur at the back of the hoof below the heel bulbs, and horizontal cracks are usually linked to coronary band trauma or a previously draining abscess. Each type has different causes and different implications for soundness.
Hoof cracks are not always painful or serious, because some are only superficial and mainly cosmetic. However, cracks can become much more significant if they extend into deeper structures, destabilize the hoof wall, or develop infection. Quarter cracks and cracks involving the coronary band are more likely to cause lameness than simple shallow cracks. The outside appearance does not always show how much damage is present deeper inside the hoof.
Signs that a hoof crack is too deep include lameness, heat, pain around the crack, and sensitivity when the area is touched or pressed. Cracks involving the coronary band may show painful swelling there, and the crack edges may move apart when the horse bears weight. Bleeding, drainage, or infection are also important warning signs that deeper tissues are involved. These signs suggest the crack is more than a superficial defect and needs prompt professional attention.
Quarter cracks are often considered more serious than toe cracks because they are true fractures of the hoof wall that can create instability, inflammation, and infection. They usually begin at the coronary band and may disrupt the hoof's ability to bear weight normally. Quarter cracks are also more likely to cause lameness than many toe cracks. Because of that, they often need more aggressive stabilization and correction.
White line disease can cause hoof cracks by creating separation within the hoof wall near the white line, which weakens the wall and allows destructive organisms to invade. This process can lead to more severe structural damage than a simple surface crack. In some horses, the farrier notices the separation first during trimming or shoeing because it is not always obvious from the outside. More severe cases can cause lameness and may need imaging and specialized treatment.
Conditions around the barn can weaken hoof walls when they expose the feet to repeated extremes of moisture or drying. Very dry hooves can become brittle and more likely to chip or split, while overly wet conditions can soften the hoof wall and reduce its strength. Hard ground, repeated concussion, and inconsistent hoof care can add even more stress to compromised areas. Environmental problems often make cracks worse when hoof quality is already poor.
Hoof cracks in horses are treated by correcting hoof imbalance, managing infection if present, and stabilizing the hoof when needed. Routine farrier care is often enough for superficial cracks, but more serious defects may need special shoes, patching materials, or other repair methods. If infection or exposed tissue is present, drainage and protective care are important before the crack is fully stabilized. Treatment works best when the underlying cause, not just the visible crack, is addressed.
A hoof crack needs farrier treatment beyond a normal trim when it is deep, full-thickness, painful, bleeding, spreading upward toward the coronary band, or causing the hoof wall to move independently on either side of the crack. Cracks that involve lameness, infection, drainage, heat, or instability should be assessed by both a farrier and veterinarian. The goal of farrier treatment is to remove abnormal stress from the crack, stabilize the hoof wall, and support healthy growth from the coronary band. Depending on the crack’s location and severity, treatment may include corrective trimming, clips, bar shoes, glue-on shoes, patching, lacing, wiring, or other hoof repair techniques. More serious cracks may require reduced work while the hoof grows out. The best approach depends on whether the crack is superficial or structural, where it is located, and whether the horse is sound.
Horse owners can help prevent hoof cracks from coming back by maintaining regular farrier care, correcting hoof imbalance, and managing wet and dry footing extremes. Good nutrition, adequate hydration, and overall hoof quality also matter because weak horn is more likely to split. Horses with thin walls, conformational challenges, or previous coronary band damage may need especially close monitoring. Prevention is usually more successful when daily management and hoof care stay consistent over time.
Nutrition helps horses with hoof cracks by supporting stronger hoof horn, better hoof wall quality, and steady hoof growth over time. Hoof cracks are often caused by imbalance, trauma, infection, or environmental stress, so nutrition does not repair a crack on its own. However, horses with weak, brittle, thin, or slow-growing hoof walls may be more likely to develop recurring cracks or have cracks that take longer to grow out. Key nutrients for hoof quality include high-quality protein, amino acids, biotin, zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E. These nutrients support keratin formation, connective tissue integrity, antioxidant defenses, and normal hoof wall growth. For most horses, Omneity® provides balanced vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and biotin support to help maintain healthy hoof quality. For horses with recurring hoof cracks, poor hoof quality, metabolic concerns, or high-iron forage, AminoTrace+ is the more fortified option with higher levels of key trace minerals and no added iron.
For most horses with hoof cracks, the best supplement is a complete vitamin and mineral supplement that supports hoof wall growth, hoof horn quality, and overall hoof structure while the underlying cause of the crack is addressed. Mad Barn’s Omneity® provides balanced vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and biotin to help fill common nutrient gaps in forage-based diets that can affect hoof quality. For horses with recurring hoof cracks, severe hoof quality issues, thin hoof walls, metabolic concerns, or high-iron forage, AminoTrace+ is the more fortified hoof supplement. AminoTrace+ provides higher levels of key nutrients required to support hoof health, including zinc, copper, biotin, amino acids, vitamin E, and organic selenium. It is formulated with no added iron and uses highly bioavailable ingredients to support resilient hoof horn, healthy keratin formation, connective tissue integrity, and steady hoof wall growth over time.
Summary
Hoof cracks are common in horses and can range from cosmetic surface defects to deeper structural problems involving sensitive tissues. Cracks form for multiple reasons, often linked to hoof imbalance, conformation, environment, or disease, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
- Hoof cracks usually run vertically with the hoof tubules and may originate at the ground surface or coronary band, while horizontal cracks more often follow trauma or abscess drainage
- Causes include foot imbalance, poor trimming or shoeing, environmental moisture extremes, trauma, thin hoof walls, nutritional issues, and conformational factors
- Toe, quarter, heel, and coronary band cracks differ in origin and severity, with quarter cracks more likely to cause lameness and require stabilization
- Management involves correcting imbalance, treating infection, stabilizing the hoof when needed, addressing environmental factors, and supporting hoof quality through balanced nutrition
References
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