We’ve all seen it: the horse with sensitive sole, the tender footed horse that gives, sometimes almost collapses when stepping on a rock. There can be a variety of causes for sensitive soles.
– Excess moisture in the hoof. An average hoof sole should have about a 33% moisture content. With lots of rain and on soft or wet ground this percentage can increase substantially, which then softens the sole and increases sensitivity.
– Knife-happy trimming. Excess paring of the sole beyond removing flaky dead sole can increase sole sensitivity.
– Dropped soles and flat soles. Soles with little concavity will be more sensitive to rocks.
– Bruised soles are sensitive. Horses exposed to too many rocks without proper toughening of the soles.
– Genetic. Often flat soles and thin soles are inherited. Examine the hooves of dam and sire before breeding.
https://blog.easycareinc.com/solutions-for-te...A horse can have sensitive feet regardless of how strong the hoof capsule is and can also have feet that aren’t sensitive in spite of having a truly pants* hoof capsule. This is important to remember because a hoof capsule takes time to strengthen. Sensitivity can be addressed relatively quickly. That means you can get the horse comfortable long before you can get the hoof capsule strong.
https://hoofgeek.com/a-sensitive-situation/Within the hoof, there are sensitive laminae and a couple of bones. If issues arise with any of these parts, the horse will no doubt be lame. Often, obtaining a formal diagnosis will require an X-ray, especially if there’s an issue with either of the bones.
https://thefarrierguide.com/2018/horse-hoof-p...Read on to learn about six common signs of a hoof problem. Of course, each horse and circumstance is unique. Find out what you can safely manage yourself and when to call in your farrier and/or veterinarian.
https://thehorse.com/19918/troubles-afoot-sig...To avoid soreness and protect hooves from other hoof issues, horse owners and hoof care professionals should take the necessary steps to determine the right trimming regimens for their barefoot horses. To accomplish this, horse owners and hoof care professionals should consider these factors during trimming periods:
https://www.vettec.com/en-us/treating-sore-ba...Disorders of the Foot in Horses ...
Among the many disorders that can affect the foot of a horse are laminitis, navicular disease, puncture wounds, infections, keratoma, pedal osteitis, pyramidal disease, quittor, sandcrack, scratches, seedy toe, sheered heels, sidebone, thrush, bone cysts, bruises, corns, cankers, and fractures.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/horse-owners/b...
