Read this if your horse is rocked back and does not want to walk
Laminitis is time sensitive. The safest move is immediate veterinary involvement, removing high-sugar feed access, and using soft support and cold therapy early while you get a plan in place.
Laminitis is one of the most serious and painful hoof conditions a horse can face. It involves inflammation and damage within the laminae, the tissues that bind the hoof wall to the coffin bone. If the connection weakens, it can progress to founder, where the coffin bone rotates or sinks within the hoof.
What Causes Laminitis?
- High-starch or high-sugar intake such as grain overload or lush pasture
- Metabolic disorders such as insulin dysregulation or PPID (Cushing’s)
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Systemic illness or infection
- Mechanical stress from overexertion on hard surfaces
- Stressors that change routine, workload, or hormones
Signs of Laminitis
- Reluctance to move or a shortened, painful gait
- Shifting weight off the front feet
- Hot hooves or a stronger digital pulse
- Standing with front feet stretched forward (classic laminitic stance)
- Hoof rings or distortion over time
What to Do if You Suspect Laminitis
- Call your veterinarian immediately for evaluation and diagnostics
- Remove grain and restrict access to lush pasture right away
- Provide deep, soft bedding and limit movement as directed
- Use cold therapy early when recommended by your veterinarian
- Coordinate closely with your farrier for long-term hoof support
Prevention Strategies
- Feed a forage-first, controlled-sugar diet
- Maintain a healthy body condition score
- Limit exposure to lush pasture when risk is high
- Screen for metabolic issues and manage them proactively
- Keep hoof care on schedule and monitor changes early
Why It Matters
Laminitis affects more than the hoof. It impacts comfort, movement, and long-term soundness. Early recognition and disciplined management can reduce damage and improve outcomes. Prevention is always easier than recovery.
