Hoof care guide

Stone Bruises in Horses

A stone bruise can make a horse short, tender, or reluctant on hard footing. Start with the hoof, not the product.

Quick answer: Pick and inspect the hoof, compare digital pulses, watch movement on safe footing, and call your farrier or veterinarian when pain, heat, lameness, or sudden worsening appears.

Red flags

• Strong digital pulse or heat in the foot.
• Sudden lameness or reluctance to bear weight.
• Puncture concern, drainage, or abscess-like pressure.
• Tenderness that does not improve with rest and better footing.

What riders should check

1. Pick the foot completely.
2. Look at sole, frog, heel bulbs, and white line.
3. Compare both front feet and both hind feet.
4. Check digital pulse and heat.
5. Track whether hard footing makes it worse.

Read the Digital Pulse Guide →

Hoof-care path after urgent issues are ruled out

• Silver Hoof EQ Therapy® — hoof, heel, and lower-leg care path.
• Hoof Care Collection — shop hoof support.
• Use the Solution Finder — when you are not sure if it is hoof, stiffness, skin, travel, or not sure.