Thin Soles: diagnosis and treatment

It is extremely common for a horse to be tender-footed simply due to thin soles. Often, these horses will be more tender following a trim than before, leaving horse owners upset and wondering if their farrier/trimmer trimmed their horse too short. But how did the horse's soles get thin to start with, and what can we do to thicken them?

Diagnosing Thin Soles
Very thin soles can be flexed with thumb pressure alone. Hoof testers can flex soles that are thin enough to cause problems (be VERY careful with hoof testers), but not readily apparent with thumb pressure. Another common symptom of thin soles is shallow collateral grooves (the indentations of the hoof on either side of the frog). Lateral radiographs are often used to confirm sole thickness, and are helpful in determining how to trim a horse.

Causes of Thin Soles
There are several reasons a horse might have (or would be predisposed to have) thin soles. While genetics certainly might play a role, I personally feel that the horse's lifestyle (present and historical), nutrition, and past and present hoof care are more likely culprits.

Genetics, or newborn environment?
The first few days of a foal's life can and will affect a horse's hooves for the rest of its life. In these first few days after birth, the hooves are soft and pliable, and are shaped by the immediate environment the foal is exposed to. Foals need to run and play on various types of terrain in order to stimulate the development of the internal structures of their hooves. They should not be confined to stalls during this important period of development.

Nutrition
Horses need balanced diets to be healthy. A horse's hooves can tell us a lot about a horse's overall condition. Accompanying symptoms can include weight issues, dull coat, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Worm infestation can also wreak havok on a horse's system. If a horse's body is not healthy, his hooves won't be either.

Hoof Care, Past and Present
Long toes and under-run heels will stretch the hoof capsule forward, restricting blood flow. An unhealthy or overgrown hoof will not function or grow as well as a healthy one. Do not wait until your horse looks like he "needs" a trim (i.e. is overgrown) to schedule your trims or shoeings. Overgrown hooves can cause a multitude of issues, including mechanical founder, thrush, navicular syndrome, and abscesses.

How to Get Thicker Soles
Thin soles can be improve, but it takes some time, patience, and a little common sense. If you are able, determine the cause of the thin soles. Keep the toes back and the foot balanced for even contact with the ground. The weight bearing surface in a thin-soled hoof is usually too far forward. Be conservative in trimming the sole, bars and frog and focus more on changing the growth pattern of the hoof capsule from the top. Promote movement in the form of consistent exercise in a comfortable environment.

Keeping the Thin-Soled Horse Comfortable
Trim frequently. Fewer changes at each trim mean less of an adjustment period for the horse following a trim. Fit the horse with some form of hoof protection that includes sole stimulation, and use as often as needed. I prefer hoof boots with Happy Hoof Pads. Some veterinarians and farriers prefer shoes with impression material, however, a shoeing schedule can often be counterindicative to frequent (3-4 week) trims, and keeping toes back enough to change the angle of the growth of the hoof capsule.

Timeframe for Developing Thicker Soles
The timeframe for a horse's soles to thicken will vary based on all of the above factors. One of the most significant factors in my experience is controlled exercise and proper hoof stimulation. Note the difference in only a few months in the first x-ray shown on my website of a foundered hoof. This horse was hand-walked at a brisk pace for 20 minutes a day in boots and pads.

I hope this post has been helpful and educational. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or if you have some information or case studies to contribute. You can email me at rebecca(at)naturespathhoof.com.