Contracted heels and thrush

Most transitioning hooves suffer a degree of heel contraction. The frog is narrow and shrivelled, pulling the heel bulbs inwards.

It’s vital that you appreciate one thing. Movement is the remedy. Any trim that tries to ‘de-contract’ the heels would be invasive. As the frog is stimulated it will expand, and so will the heel bulbs.

However, during this time you must be extra wary of thrush in the frog. Contracted, the central sulcus is far too deep. It creates an environment that’s ripe for bacteria.

Thrush eats away at the frog. The horse becomes sore, and shifts to a toe first landing. Without stimulation, the frog weakens further, and so the problem continues.

To help your horse as the frog transitions:

Hand-walk your horse on a hard surface (if possible) for 15-20 minutes per day. Roads and pea gravel are both excellent for stimulating the frog.

Clean the hoof regularly of foul mud. Doing this while standing your horse in fresh mud, delivers new protection to the frog.

Take extra care, to clear the central sulcus and collateral grooves.

After cleaning, keep your horse’s hooves as dry as possible.

If your horse is uncomfortable moving, use hoof boot insoles. Cut them to apply gentle pressure to the frog. This will ensure its stimulation and growth.

If your horse is infected with thrush, all the more reason to follow these steps. You must keep the frog growing faster than the thrush can attack it. Also, soak the hoof 20 – 30 minutes a day in Apple Cider Vinegar.

Thrush should concern you anyhow, regardless of your horse’s health. Even a fully transitioned hoof can be afflicted. And hooves shod from an early age may not fully de-contract. The coffin bone has grown to the constraints of the shoe.

But there’s no reason why this should be a worry. Just be wary of thrush – always – and work to prevent it.

You can keep a perfectly sound barefoot horse, no matter how contracted his heels are.

And now onto Jared.

Contracted Heels and Thrush: What You Need to Know

“Let’s talk about two common hoof issues that often go hand-in-hand: contracted heels and thrush. While neither of these conditions are the most glamorous topics, understanding them is key to keeping your horse’s hooves healthy and sound.”

“First up, let’s break down contracted heels. This happens when the heels of your horse’s hooves become too narrow, losing their natural width and flexibility. When the heels are contracted, they can’t properly absorb shock or distribute weight, which can lead to discomfort and even lameness. Contracted heels often happen due to poor hoof care, but they can also be caused by improper shoeing, lack of movement, or even a wet, muddy environment that softens the hoof.”

“Now, add thrush into the mix. Thrush is a bacterial infection that thrives in damp, dirty conditions—think wet paddocks, uncleaned stalls, or hooves that haven’t been picked out regularly. Thrush can cause a stinky, black goo to build up in the frog area of the hoof, leading to a lot of discomfort for your horse. When combined with contracted heels, thrush can make the problem worse because the narrow heel often traps moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.”

“If you’re dealing with contracted heels and thrush, it’s essential to address both at the same time. Start by picking out the hooves daily to remove dirt and debris. You might want to use a hoof cleaner or antifungal treatment specifically for thrush to keep bacteria at bay. If contracted heels are severe, a visit to the farrier is needed to help restore proper hoof balance and width.”

“By staying on top of contracted heels and thrush, you’ll help your horse stay comfortable and healthy. Prevention is key, so make hoof care a regular part of your routine, and your horse will thank you! Jared”

Next up

How to regain confidence afer falling off a horse