Ring On Hoof?

Question

I was just wondering, on the top of some horses hooves there is a lump, kind of like a ring... I was wondering if it was normal..

Also, if you do quite a bit of roadwork on your horse, should you get there back and fronts done... i do lots of roadwork but only have the fronts

Answer 1

At the very top of the hoof, just below the hairline, is the coronary band.  This is where new hoofwall grows down from.

You can also get rings on the hoof wall itself: from founder/laminits or from stress.   An experienced eye can tell the two apart. Lamitis is serious, and if you suspect he has it, consult your vet.

You should get all four feet trimmed.    Do you mean "only the fronts" as in only shoes or only trimmed?    You can ride with only front shoes (or no shoes at all) as long as all four feet are properly trimmed & balanced.

Answer 2

Hm, it'd be easier to tell what you're talking about if you had a picture. I'm just going to take a guess and say you're talking about the cornet band. If so, yes it is perfectly normal.

You may also be referring to "rings" that can develop on a horses foot. These are indicators of some sort of change, or laminitis. Some horses will develop these "rings" when there is a drastic change in diet, a re-location, some sort of stress or problems occurring in the hoof or leg.

As for whether shoes are required if you're riding on the road, that really depends on your horse. Every horse is different, and some have softer feet, some thinner walls, it just depends. most people I know do have all four feet done if they ride on the roads often. I've heard pros and cons to both shoeing and keeping your horse barefoot, so the choice is ultimately up to you and what your farrier thinks may be a good idea. Good luck.

Answer 3

Rings on hooves can happen to any horse.  It is what is left of a one time fever or some kind of trauma, hoof problem.  It has to take a year to grow completely out.  So if the rings are a ways down the hoof they are growing out.