28/08/2026
Called out to an unexplained lameness. What are we looking for?
Before touching the hoof, I’m already gathering information. I’ll look for swelling anywhere in the limb or foot, heat, an increased digital pulse and how the horse is standing. Are they avoiding loading the toe, heel or whole foot? Are they comfortable picking the hoof up, and are they comfortable standing on the opposite limb? I’ll also check for any swelling or bulging around the coronary band.
The hoof is then thoroughly cleaned and checked for anything obvious, including a penetrating foreign object. If there is a nail or other object penetrating the hoof, don’t pull it out. Stabilise and bandage the foot and call the vet so its position can be assessed before removal.
If it’s appropriate to continue, I’ll look closely at the hoof itself. I’m checking for sole bruising or other changes, stretching or redness through the laminar or white line area, cracks, separation, infection or other pathology. I’ll also compare the hoof with previous trims, looking at balance, sole depth, shape, wear and anything else that has changed.
How the horse responds throughout the trim also gives us useful information. Are they comfortable loading the foot? Does picking it up make things better or worse? Does anything change as the hoof is cleaned and trimmed?
There are many possible causes of lameness. Sometimes the problem is relatively obvious and hoof care can be part of resolving it. Other times, what we find simply gives us useful information to pass on to the vet.
A hoof care professional can identify signs and symptoms that may be consistent with particular problems, but unexplained lameness should not be definitively diagnosed by a trimmer. Diagnosis belongs with your veterinarian.
I’m using a wire brush hoof pick and hoof paste blue from The Hoof Co | Hoof Care
