Corrective Hoof Trimming

Corrective hoof trimming is the process of restoring proper hoof form and function. Many horses have hooves that are unbalanced and flared. This places undue stress on both the interal structures of the hoof and on the rest of the body. This page will show you how to recognise imbalance and give an insight into methods of restoring health to the hoof.

A healthy hoof has a hoof wall that grows parallel to the internal foundation of the hoof - the coffin bone. Any deviation from parallel weakens the bond (the laminar attachment) between the wall and the bone. The bigger the deviation, the more damage is inflicted on the lamina. Prolonged damage can lead to pedal osteitis (inflammation of the pedal (coffin) bone) and eventual bone loss, so is to be avoided at all costs.

The first photo is of the front left hoof of a horse that was diagnosed with pedal osteitis. The horse was very lame despite attempts at corrective shoeing.

The second photo shows the same hoof a year later after corrective hoof trimming.

Notice how far back the toe has come.

The biggest issue with the way the hoof was being trimmed in the first photo is that the breakover was not being properly addressed. This was causing the toe wall to be levered away from the coffin bone and created a huge toe flare.

By properly addressing the breakover, the horse was able to grow a tightly connected wall. This in turn reduced the pressure on the laminar connection and stopped the deterioration of the coffin bone and returned the horse to soundness.

Is your horse having hoof or lameness issues? Check out our consultation service for further help.

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