Causes include metabolic disorders (like insulin resistance), grain overload, sudden diet changes, retained placenta in mares, concussion on hard ground, or excessive weight bearing on one limb.

What are the signs of founder?

Classic signs include a “sawhorse” stance, reluctance to move, strong digital pulse, heat in the hooves, and lameness—often in the front feet first.

How do you treat a horse with founder?

Treatment involves immediate veterinary care, stall rest, anti-inflammatory support, corrective trimming/shoeing, diet management, and supportive care such as cold therapy and safe liniments for circulation.

How can Draw It Out® products help?

Our alcohol-free, sensation-free formulas can be used under wraps or poultices to support circulation and comfort without harsh chemicals—ideal for sensitive hoof and leg areas in founder cases.

What is Founder in Horses? Causes, Care & Relief | Draw It Out®

Q: What is founder in horses?

Founder, also called laminitis, is a painful condition where the laminae inside the hoof become inflamed, weakening the bond between the hoof wall and coffin bone. In severe cases, it can cause rotation or sinking of the bone.

August 21, 2025

Horse Health Care News

What is Founder in Horses? Causes, Care & Relief

Updated August 20, 2025 · Draw It Out®

On this page

What is founder (laminitis)?
Causes of founder
Signs to watch for
How to care & support
How Draw It Out® can help
FAQ

What is Founder (Laminitis)?

Founder, also known as laminitis, is one of the most painful and potentially devastating conditions a horse can face. It happens when the laminae—the tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone—become inflamed or damaged. If left unchecked, it can lead to rotation or sinking of the coffin bone inside the hoof.

Bottom line: Founder is an emergency. Early detection and immediate action can save your horse’s mobility and comfort.

Common Causes of Founder

Metabolic issues (insulin resistance, Cushing’s/PPID)
Grain overload or sudden diet changes
Retained placenta in post-foaling mares
Concussion from working on hard surfaces
Excessive weight-bearing on one limb due to injury

Early Signs to Watch For

Sawhorse stance (leaning back to take weight off front feet)
Reluctance to move or lying down more than usual
Increased heat in hooves
Strong or bounding digital pulse
Lameness—especially in front hooves

How to Care for a Horse with Founder

Step one: call your veterinarian immediately. Founder is a medical emergency. Alongside vet care, here are key support strategies:

Stall Rest: Limit movement on soft bedding.
Hoof Care: Corrective trimming and supportive shoeing if prescribed.
Diet Management: Low-starch forage, no grain overload, controlled pasture access.
Cold Therapy: Cooling the hooves and lower limbs may help reduce inflammation.
Topical Support: Alcohol-free, sensation-free liniments can support circulation and comfort without adding irritation.

How Draw It Out® Can Help

Founder care requires products that are safe, gentle, and effective. That’s where Draw It Out® comes in:

Draw It Out® High Potency Gel — wrap-friendly, sensation-free support for legs and hooves.
MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ — joint and tendon relief using manuka honey and arnica.
SilverHoof EQ Therapy® — hoof-specific daily support for strength and recovery.

These solutions respect the sensitivity of a foundered horse while offering practical, everyday relief.

Founder in Horses: FAQ

Is founder the same as laminitis?

Yes—laminitis is the condition, and “founder” typically refers to chronic or severe cases where the coffin bone has rotated or sunk.

Can a horse recover from founder?

With early intervention and good management, many horses can recover and return to comfortable lives. Severe cases may limit long-term soundness, but careful management helps quality of life.

How do you prevent founder?

Preventive steps include controlled grazing, balanced diets, regular hoof care, avoiding sudden grain overload, and managing metabolic disorders under veterinary guidance.

Are liniments safe for foundered horses?

Yes—if they are alcohol-free, non-irritating, and safe under wraps. Draw It Out® formulas are specifically designed for safe, wrap-friendly use.