Laminitis in Horses and Ponies: What Every Owner Should Know

Laminitis is something most of you will have heard of — and for good reason. It’s one of the more common and serious conditions we see in horses and ponies, particularly during the spring and summer months.

The word itself can sound frightening, but understanding what laminitis is, how to spot it early, and what you can do to reduce the risk can make a huge difference to your horse’s health and comfort.

So, What Actually Is Laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful condition affecting the tissues inside the hoof that help attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone. These tissues are called the laminae.

When the laminae become inflamed and damaged, the structures inside the hoof become weakened. In severe cases, this can lead to movement or rotation of the pedal bone within the hoof — which is extremely painful and can cause permanent damage.

Laminitis can affect any horse or pony, but some are much more at risk than others.

What Are the Signs of Laminitis?

Some horses show obvious signs, while others can be surprisingly subtle in the early stages. Knowing what to look out for is really important.

Common signs include:

• Walking stiffly or appearing “footy”

• Reluctance to move or turn

• Short, pottery strides

• Lameness, especially in the front feet

• Standing with the front feet stretched out in front

• Shifting weight from foot to foot

• Warm hooves

• Strong or “bounding” digital pulses

• Spending more time lying down

• Difficulty walking on hard ground

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s always safest to contact us promptly.

What Causes Laminitis?

Laminitis is often linked to problems elsewhere in the body rather than simply being a foot issue.

Grass and Sugars

Rich grass — especially during spring and autumn — is one of the biggest triggers. Sunny days and cold nights can increase sugar levels in pasture, even when grass doesn’t look particularly lush.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Overweight horses and ponies are at much higher risk, particularly “good doers” who gain weight easily.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

EMS is a condition linked to insulin resistance and obesity, and it significantly increases the likelihood of laminitis.

PPID (Cushing’s Disease)

Older horses may develop PPID, a hormonal condition that can predispose them to recurrent laminitis.

Previous Laminitis

Unfortunately, horses that have had laminitis before are more likely to develop it again.

Illness or Severe Inflammation

In some cases, conditions such as colic, retained placenta, or severe infections can trigger laminitis.

Which Horses Are Most at Risk?

Although any horse can develop laminitis, we commonly see it in:

• Native pony breeds

• Cob types

• Good doers

• Overweight horses

• Horses with cresty necks or fat pads

• Horses with EMS or PPID

• Horses with a previous history of laminitis

It's important to remember that horses do not need to be obese to be at risk, laminitis can also occur in the least likely suspects so it's always essential to monitor for signs closely.

How Can You Help Prevent Laminitis?

Prevention is always better than treatment, and small management changes can have a big impact.

Manage Grazing Carefully

Spring grass may seem harmless, but it can contain very high sugar levels.

Helpful strategies include:

Limiting turnout time

Using grazing muzzles

Avoiding turnout during high-risk periods or switching to a night-time turnout

Using track systems or sparse paddocks

Keep Your Horse at a Healthy Weight

Regular weigh taping and body condition scoring can help you spot gradual weight gain before it becomes a problem.

Feed a Low Sugar, High Fibre Diet

Most horses at risk benefit from a forage-based diet with minimal sugary feeds or treats. Feed company websites often have great resources that can help you design the ideal diet for your horse.

Encourage Regular Exercise

Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight — if the horse is sound and comfortable to do so.

Routine Veterinary Checks

Insulin and Glucose blood tests can help identify underlying conditions such as EMS or PPID before serious problems develop. These can be arranged by contacting our office and one of our vets will be out to you to take a blood sample as soon as possible.

Don’t Forget the Feet

Regular farriery and hoof care are essential. Changes in hoof shape or unusual growth rings can sometimes indicate previous low-grade laminitis.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Laminitis?

If you think your horse may have laminitis, treat it as an emergency.

1. Call Us!

Early detection and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes.

2. Remove Access to Grass

Bring your horse off pasture and avoid feeding sugary treats or concentrates unless advised otherwise.

3. Stable on Deep Bedding

Deep shavings or sand can help support the feet and improve comfort.

4. Restrict Movement

Avoid walking your horse unnecessarily, as this may worsen damage inside the hoof.

5. Follow Our Advice Closely

Laminitis often requires ongoing management, including pain relief, dietary changes, and corrective farriery. In a confirmed case of laminitis we will provide you with a detailed management plan so that we can best support your horse's recovery.

Can Horses Recover?

Many horses recover very well from laminitis, especially when it is recognised early and managed appropriately.

Some may need long-term dietary and weight management, while others return to normal work and activity. Every case is different, but prompt action gives the best chance of a successful recovery.

Laminitis is a serious condition, but awareness really is key. Recognising the signs early, understanding the risk factors, and making sensible management choices can go a long way towards protecting your horse.

If you are worried your horse may be showing signs of laminitis — even mild ones — please contact our team for advice. It is always better to check early than wait for symptoms to worsen!