Laminitis is one of the most serious and worrying conditions a horse can face. It can develop suddenly or slowly over time, and it affects horses, ponies, and donkeys of all types.
This guide is the main laminitis reference on HorseTrainingAndTips.com. It explains what laminitis is, how to recognise early warning signs, what causes it, when it is an emergency, what to do while waiting for the vet, and how owners can reduce the risk through everyday management.
If you are concerned about laminitis or want to understand it properly, start here. Throughout this guide, you will find links to more detailed articles that expand on specific laminitis topics.
What Is Laminitis?
Laminitis is a painful condition affecting the laminae inside the horse’s hoof. The laminae are tiny structures that attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone inside the foot. When these structures become inflamed or damaged, the bond between the hoof and the bone weakens.
In severe cases, this can lead to rotation or sinking of the pedal bone. This is why laminitis is taken so seriously by vets and farriers.
Laminitis is not just a “foot problem”. It is often linked to underlying metabolic, dietary, or systemic issues within the horse’s body. Understanding this helps owners focus not only on treatment, but also on long-term prevention.
Laminitis Topics Covered in This Guide
This page acts as a central hub for understanding laminitis in horses. If you need more detailed guidance, the articles below explore each topic in depth.
- Early Signs of Laminitis in Horses
- What Causes Laminitis?
- What to Do If You Suspect Laminitis (While Waiting for the Vet)
- Is Laminitis an Emergency?
- Reducing the Risk of Laminitis
As supporting laminitis articles are published, they will link back to this guide as part of our structured horse health series.
Why Laminitis Is So Serious
Laminitis causes significant pain. Even mild cases can make a horse uncomfortable to walk, stand, or turn. More severe cases can lead to long-term damage that affects the horse’s soundness and quality of life.
Unlike many injuries, laminitis is not always a one-off event. Once a horse has had laminitis, they are often at higher risk of future episodes. This makes early recognition and careful management essential.
Some horses recover fully and return to normal work. Others may need lifelong management changes. The outcome depends on how early the condition is recognised, how severe it becomes, and how well the underlying causes are addressed.
Early Signs of Laminitis in Horses
Early signs of laminitis are sometimes subtle. They may develop gradually, especially in cases linked to diet or metabolic issues.
Common early warning signs include:
- Reluctance to walk, especially on hard ground
- Short, stiff steps
- Shifting weight from one foot to another
- Standing with the front feet stretched forward
- Increased digital pulse in the feet
- Hooves feeling warmer than usual
- Changes in attitude or willingness to move
Some horses become noticeably sore, while others simply seem “off”. Knowing your horse’s normal movement and behaviour makes it much easier to spot early changes.
Early intervention can make a significant difference to recovery, which is why these signs should never be ignored.
What Causes Laminitis?
Laminitis is often triggered by underlying issues rather than a single event. Understanding the causes helps owners reduce risk and manage susceptible horses more effectively.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Excess intake of sugar and starch (often from grass)
- Obesity or rapid weight gain
- Insulin resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome
- Sudden dietary changes
- Stress or illness
- Systemic infections or inflammation
- Mechanical overload on the feet
In many cases, laminitis develops when several risk factors combine. For example, a pony that gains weight in spring and has limited movement may be at higher risk.
Identifying and managing these triggers is just as important as treating the feet themselves.
What to Do If You Suspect Laminitis
If you suspect laminitis, contacting your vet promptly is essential. Early veterinary involvement improves outcomes and reduces the risk of severe damage.
While waiting for the vet, practical steps you can take include:
- Remove access to grass and hard feed
- Confine the horse to a safe, comfortable area
- Provide deep bedding to support the feet
- Keep the horse as still as possible
- Avoid forced movement
Do not give pain relief unless advised by your vet. Masking pain can sometimes lead to further damage if the horse moves too much.
Staying calm and following veterinary advice gives your horse the best chance of recovery.
Is Laminitis an Emergency?
Laminitis should always be treated as urgent. Some cases progress rapidly and can become life-threatening if not managed correctly.
Emergency signs include:
- Severe lameness
- Refusal to move
- Continuous shifting of weight
- Strong digital pulses
- Signs of extreme pain or distress
If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, it is always safer to contact your vet. Prompt action can prevent long-term damage and improve the horse’s comfort.
Long-Term Management After Laminitis
Horses that have experienced laminitis often need ongoing management to prevent recurrence. This does not necessarily mean they cannot live comfortable, active lives.
Long-term management may involve:
- Careful control of diet and grass intake
- Weight management
- Regular farrier care
- Monitoring for early warning signs
- Working closely with a vet
Consistency is key. Small daily decisions have a big impact on long-term health.
Reducing the Risk of Laminitis
While not all cases can be prevented, good management significantly reduces the risk of laminitis.
Helpful prevention strategies include:
- Maintaining a healthy body condition
- Managing grazing carefully
- Avoiding sudden dietary changes
- Providing regular movement where appropriate
- Monitoring hoof health
- Being extra cautious during high-risk seasons
Prevention is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Understanding your horse’s individual risk factors helps you make informed decisions.
From One Horse Person to Another
Laminitis is frightening, frustrating, and emotionally difficult for owners. Understanding what it is, recognising early signs, and acting quickly can make a real difference.
Use this guide as your starting point. As you work through the supporting laminitis articles, you will build a clearer picture of how to protect your horse’s long-term comfort and health.