Waiting for your horse’s hooves to adapt and strengthen is stressful. It doesn’t matter how long transition takes. The slightest of flares, cracks and bulges have kept barefoot horse owners awake at night.
This is undoubtedly because a simple flare, left to its own devices, can become mechanical founder.
But these issues are easily resolved if caught early. You must help your horse grow the problem out. Take action by regularly trimming the walls, quarters, and applying the mustang roll. This alone can deal with most flares, cracks and bulges.
Flaring and bulging points to a stretched white line. Unusual mechanical forces have pushed the hoof out, away from the coffin bone.
Horses with neglected, overgrown hoof walls are especially at risk. The hoof wall takes on too much weight forcing the growth outwards.
Horses without a mustang roll are at risk. The leverage on the ground prises the hoof wall away from the coffin bone.
And of course, transitioning horses are also at particular risk. Their white line is already weak and stretchy.
You can take a great deal of strain off a weakened white line by bringing the mustang roll back to the edge of the sole. When your horse is ready, move the mustang roll forwards again to the usual water line.
With more pressure on the soles, this can be uncomfortable for your horse. But as barefoot expert, Margaret Smith says…
“We see repeatedly, that white line pain bothers horses more than sole pain.”
Whether you follow this ‘White Line Strategy’ or not, the mustang roll is always the most important part of your trim. Not just for dealing with flares, but splits and bulges too. Renew this weekly, keeping flared sections off the ground at the point of break-over. It’s the only way you can contain the problem as new hoof material grows out.
Please remember to trim no higher than the bottom third of the hoof. It may be tempting to rasp down that bulge that runs further up, but you must restrain yourself. Your horse’s hoof wall is still a vital protector of the internal structures. Besides, it cannot reconnect to the coffin bone once separated. The only way to tighten up your horse’s white line is to encourage growth of new hoof material.
Keep that mustang roll renewed. And keep your horse turned out and moving as much as possible.
Don’t forget to grab your free ebook here
Al & Claire
And now onto Ted.
Flares, Bulges, and Cracks: What They Mean for Your Horse’s Hooves
“Let’s dive into a topic that’s a little less glamorous but super important—flares, bulges, and cracks in your horse’s hooves. These hoof issues can happen for a variety of reasons, and while they’re not always a disaster, they do need attention. So, what exactly are flares, bulges, and cracks, and what should you do about them?”
“First up, flares. Hoof flaring occurs when the hoof wall starts to spread outward, often due to imbalance or improper trimming. When flares happen, the hoof can’t handle weight distribution properly, leading to uneven wear and sometimes discomfort. If you notice that your horse’s hooves have a “spreading” look to them, it’s time for a visit from your farrier to address the issue.”
“Next, bulges. A bulge in the hoof wall is like a bump or swelling that appears from the pressure inside the hoof. Bulges can develop for a number of reasons—sometimes they’re caused by improper trimming, abscesses, or even injury. If you spot a bulge, it’s important to have your farrier or vet take a look, as it could indicate something more serious brewing inside the hoof.”
“And then there are cracks. Hoof cracks can range from superficial to deep and painful. They often happen when the hoof becomes too dry, or when a horse’s hooves aren’t balanced properly. Cracks that extend to the sensitive layers of the hoof can be a major issue, so it’s best to catch them early before they lead to lameness.”
“Flares, bulges, and cracks are all warning signs that something’s off with your horse’s hoof care. Don’t ignore them—regular trimming, proper nutrition, and attention to any changes in your horse’s hooves will keep these issues under control. Your horse’s feet will thank you for it! Ted”
Next up
How can I tell if my horse’s hooves have flares, bulges, or cracks, and what should I do to address them?
Flares, bulges, and cracks in your horse’s hooves can result from improper trimming, injury, or underlying hoof issues. Regular hoof inspections, proper trimming, and addressing any imbalance with your farrier can help prevent these problems and keep your horse’s hooves healthy.