I am excited to welcome Jessica Fobert as my guest today!

Over the past decade, Jessica and I have worked together on many challenging cases, and I have come to value her input as a trusted second opinion for my clients. She is a hoof care practitioner and lifelong horse lover, registered with both the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Association and Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners. She and her business partner, Natalie, run a rehab facility in Toddham, Ontario, where they take on the toughest of cases. 

Join us as Jessica dives into the critical work she does at the rehab, debunking common trimming myths and highlighting the crucial importance of proper hoof care.

Many Cases Go Undiagnosed

Owners and professionals alike should be vigilant and proactive, as subclinical laminitis often goes unnoticed. Many horses can have inflammation without full-blown laminitic episodes, and even minor hoof distortion, recurring abscesses, or poor posture may be early signs. 

Inflammation 

Hoof inflammation starts before any rotation or visible damage occurs. It typically results from systemic stress, poor nutrition, or mechanical imbalance. While X-rays may not reveal early changes, heat, soreness, gait alterations, or behavioral changes can indicate trouble brewing inside the foot.

Movement and Circulation 

Stabling a sore horse may seem protective, but confinement reduces circulation and delays healing. Movement is crucial to restoring hoof health. Gentle, controlled exercise within the comfort zone of the horse, often with the help of boots, can significantly improve blood flow and tissue regeneration.

Boots

Boots help reduce inflammation and promote healing, allowing sore horses to move more comfortably. However, they are not a permanent solution. 

Avoid Over-trimming 

Trimming should preserve the sole and reduce leverage without forcing the foot into an artificial shape. Over-trimming or removing too much sole worsens instability.

Be Cautious with Certain Treatments

Corrosive thrush treatments may kill bacteria but can also damage live tissue, making reinfection more likely. Non-corrosive antimicrobials can restore microbial balance without damaging sensitive tissue, soothing the foot, and helping to reset its microbial environment. Consistency and gentle application are the key.

Gut Health 

Thrush and white line disease can recur when gut health is compromised. High-sugar, high-starch diets fuel inflammation and weaken hoof tissue from the inside. Horses fed low-NSC diets will often show rapid hoof improvement. In some cases, long-standing issues like contracted heels and white line disease will resolve completely within months of a diet change.

Lasting Change

Lasting hoof changes must be supported from the inside, as no trim can undo the effects of a poor diet. Contracted heels, long toes, and weak hoof structures are often diet-driven. Even horses that have been trimmed carefully for years may not improve until their processed feeds get replaced with low-sugar alternatives. 

The Power of Movement

Movement is essential for healing hooves. Even sore horses should be allowed to move freely within their comfort range. Boots can encourage movement, reducing pain and enabling gradual increases in circulation and use. 

Metal Shoes

Metal shoes may provide instant relief for some horses. However, they increase concussion and vibration, which can worsen laminitic damage over time. Whenever possible, barefoot is ideal, but there are situations where temporary shoeing provides a helpful bridge.

Euthanasia Is a Complex Decision

For owners facing the possibility of euthanasia due to chronic laminitis, the most important factors to consider are quality of life, age, and the extent of internal damage. A younger horse with good overall health and minor pathology may fully recover with time, while an older horse with extensive remodeling and no progress after months of care may not. It is not about how long you have been trying. It is about whether or not progress is still possible.

There Is Hope with the Right Support

Horses can recover from severe laminitis. Even cases that seem hopeless can recover with the right support. A strong rehab plan includes proper trimming, pain relief, an appropriate diet, and enough movement. If the damage is not too severe and the blood supply remains intact, healing can be dramatic.

Owner Education Makes a Difference

Owners who understand hoof anatomy, inflammation, and the impact of diet are better prepared to advocate for their horses. A good support team includes trimmers, veterinarians, and professionals who collaborate and communicate openly. 

Expert Help Is Available

Jessica Foutbear offers remote consultations, ranging from quick second opinions to in-depth assessments and trim guidance. She also teaches clinics and workshops. You can reach out to her via email or on social media.

Links and resources:

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Contact Jessica Fobert

On social media: @BarefootHorseCanada

Email: [email protected]  

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