When a horse starts walking stiffly or refuses to move, something’s wrong. It might not seem like a big deal at first—maybe they just had a long day or stepped on something weird. But foot pain in horses is serious. It usually doesn’t go away on its own, and ignoring it can turn a small problem into a really bad one. One of the most painful issues horses can face is called laminitis.
Laminitis messes with the inside of a horse’s hoof. It makes the soft tissue that connects the hoof to the bone inside swell up. When that happens, the hoof can’t support the horse’s weight properly. And if it gets bad enough, it can actually shift the bones in the foot, which is incredibly painful. Some horses can’t even stand.
Let’s talk about what causes this, how to spot it early, and what to do when it shows up. It’s not just about calling a vet—it’s also about day-to-day care, feeding, and how to help your horse feel better without doing anything harsh or complicated.
What Laminitis Looks Like
Laminitis can creep in slowly or hit fast. Either way, horses usually show signs. The tricky part is recognizing them before things get worse.
At first, a horse might just seem off. Maybe they stand oddly, shifting their weight back to avoid putting pressure on their front feet. Or they might walk stiffly, like every step is uncomfortable. They may lie down more than usual and act grumpy when touched near the hooves.
If it gets worse, they might refuse to move at all, especially on hard ground. Sometimes, the hooves feel warm to the touch, or the horse’s pulse near the ankle is stronger than normal. All of these are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
Common Causes That Can Be Prevented
Laminitis doesn’t usually happen for no reason. It’s often linked to a few common problems—things that can be watched for and avoided with a bit of care.
One of the biggest causes is too much sugar in the horse’s diet. Horses love sweet grass, but when they eat a lot of it—especially in spring when it’s growing fast—the sugar levels can spike in their body. That can lead to inflammation in the hooves.
Other causes include being overweight, having other illnesses (like Cushing’s disease), or standing on hard or uneven surfaces for too long. Even stress can play a part. Basically, when a horse’s body is out of balance, their feet are usually the first to show it.
Helping Naturally, Not Harshly
Some treatments for laminitis can feel intense or uncomfortable for the horse, especially if they’re already in pain. But there are gentle, effective ways to support healing. One great approach is using a natural treatment for laminitis in horses. These kinds of remedies focus on calming inflammation, improving circulation, and helping the horse recover in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
Natural treatments can include herbal support, homeopathy, and safe pain relief that doesn’t upset the horse’s system. They’re not meant to replace vet care, but they’re a great extra layer of support—especially for long-term care or when a horse is prone to flare-ups.
What You Can Do Right Away
The moment hoof pain is suspected, stop riding or working the horse. Give them rest in a soft, dry area—preferably with deep bedding to cushion their feet. If they’re standing on gravel, concrete, or frozen ground, move them to something easier on their hooves.
Next, check their diet. Cut out sugary treats, rich pasture, and anything that might spike their blood sugar. Hay should be their main food while they recover. If unsure about what’s best, a vet or equine nutritionist can help make a solid plan.
Hoof trimming also plays a major role. Long or uneven hooves put pressure in all the wrong places. A good farrier can trim and balance the hoof in a way that supports healing and reduces pain.
Keeping It From Coming Back
Once a horse has had laminitis, it’s more likely to happen again. So, preventing future problems is just as important as treating the current one.
Start by keeping the horse at a healthy weight. If they’re chubby or have a thick neck, it’s time to adjust their feed and get them moving more—once their feet are strong enough again.
Watch the grass. In spring or after heavy rain, pasture sugar levels can spike. Limit turnout during risky times, or use a grazing muzzle if needed. Even small changes in diet can help keep the horse’s system stable.
Keep hooves trimmed on a regular schedule. Don’t wait until they look bad. Balanced hooves mean less stress on the soft tissues inside, which means fewer chances for inflammation.
Also, look for signs of other health problems. Laminitis doesn’t always start in the feet—it can be a symptom of something else going wrong in the body. Stay on top of any changes in behavior, appetite, or mood.
What Horses Need Most: Patience And Attention
A horse with sore feet might not look dramatic. But what they’re feeling inside their hooves is serious. Pain can affect how they eat, move, and even trust people. Helping them through it takes time, consistency, and a calm approach.
They might need weeks or even months to feel better. That’s okay. What matters most is making small changes that support healing—from what they eat to where they stand. Every step in the right direction makes a difference.
Hoof problems can feel overwhelming at first, especially for newer horse owners. But with the right care, even horses with bad flare-ups can walk, run, and play again. Laminitis doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Final Thoughts
Foot pain in horses is never something to ignore, especially when it could be laminitis. Watch for warning signs like stiffness, odd posture, or heat in the hooves. Act early by resting the horse, switching up their diet, and trimming their hooves properly. Natural remedies can make a big difference, especially when used with vet support.
In the end, the best thing anyone can do is pay attention, ask questions, and never assume a limp is just a bad day. A horse’s feet carry their whole world—and they deserve to feel good standing on them.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.