Hoof Care
10 signs of hoof problems you shouldn't miss
No hoof, no horse. Hoof problems often creep in without you noticing right away. These 10 signs help you intervene early — before it becomes costly damage.
Published: 3/5/2026
EquiSight Editorial
Redactie · EquiSight · SaFleu Equestrian Centre BV
Ten signs at a glance
- 1. Irregular gait or stiffness when first moving off
- 2. Careful walking on hard surfaces
- 3. Heat in the hoof wall or coronary band
- 4. Pulsating digital artery at the fetlock
- 5. Cracks in the hoof wall
- 6. Crumbling horn
- 7. Foul-smelling thrush
- 8. Asymmetric hooves (left vs right)
- 9. Frequent stumbling
- 10. Reduced performance without any other explanation
When should you call the farrier?
When in doubt, always call. A professional farrier can spot problems early that would otherwise take weeks to become visible. A vet should be contacted in cases of fever, signs of laminitis, or unexplained lameness.
How do you keep track?
After every farrier visit, take a photo of the front hooves (sole and side view) and save them in EquiSight. Three months later you can compare them and spot even subtle changes.