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

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

August 21, 2025
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What is Founder in Horses? Causes, Care & Relief | Draw It Out®
Horse Health Care News

What is Founder in Horses? Causes, Care & Relief

Updated August 20, 2025 · Draw It Out®
On this page
  1. What is founder (laminitis)?
  2. Causes of founder
  3. Signs to watch for
  4. How to care & support
  5. How Draw It Out® can help
  6. 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:

  1. Stall Rest: Limit movement on soft bedding.
  2. Hoof Care: Corrective trimming and supportive shoeing if prescribed.
  3. Diet Management: Low-starch forage, no grain overload, controlled pasture access.
  4. Cold Therapy: Cooling the hooves and lower limbs may help reduce inflammation.
  5. 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:

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.

Further Reading