Flat Feet

What’s happening in the horse’s hoof?

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Flat-footedness is a common problem that several horse owners and farriers face, and it is especially prominent in Thoroughbreds. Flat feet develop as a result of genetics, conformation faults, poor physical conditions, lack of hoof care or early shoeing, as is the case for most Thoroughbreds. Long toes and underrun heels go hand-in-hand with flat feet. Most horses can recover from flat-footedness with corrective farriery, improved diet and physical rehabilitation.

What’s going on inside?

A foal is born with his coffin bone high up in the hoof capsule, and the connection between the epidermal and dermal laminae is tight. This connection is what holds the internal structures of the hoof exactly where they need to be. The position of these structures – high in the hoof capsule – creates a concave shape on the sole. The concavity represents a well-connected hoof and correct anatomy. The coffin bone itself is not flat, but has a slight curve to it, and the external structure follows this shape. This tight connection remains strong and intact as the horse grows, unless influenced by external factors such as the ones humans introduce: poor hoof care, premature or unnecessary shoeing, restricted movement and rich diets all contribute to the declining health of the hoof.