Laminitis is a painful and potentially serious condition that affects the hooves of horses and ponies. It’s more than just a foot problem — it’s often a sign of deeper metabolic or systemic imbalances. Understanding the causes, recognising early signs, and taking preventative steps can make a significant difference in your horse’s wellbeing.
What Is Laminitis?
Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive lamellae inside the hoof. These structures connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone, and when inflamed, this connection can weaken or break. In severe cases, the coffin bone may rotate or sink, causing intense pain and long-term damage.
Laminitis most commonly affects the front hooves and can be triggered by various factors — from diet and weight to hormonal imbalances and toxins.
Recognising the Signs of Laminitis
Early recognition is key. Common signs include:
- Reluctance to move or shifting weight to the hind legs
- Lying down more frequently to relieve pressure
- Heat and swelling in the hooves
- A strong digital pulse
- In severe cases, visible changes in hoof shape or sole penetration by the coffin bone
If you suspect laminitis, contact your vet immediately.
Common Causes of Laminitis
Laminitis can be triggered by a variety of factors, often linked to diet, metabolism, or systemic stress. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Overweight & Metabolic Imbalance
Excess weight increases the risk of many diseases, including insulin dysregulation, a condition that affects how the body processes sugars. This can increase the risk of laminitis, particularly in spring and autumn when grass sugars are high.
Horses with Cushing’s (PPID) are also at greater risk due to hormonal imbalances that affect metabolism and hoof health. A blood test from your vet can help diagnose metabolic issues.
- Digestive Disturbances
Sudden intake of sugar-rich grass or large amounts of concentrate can disrupt gut flora, leading to endotoxins in the bloodstream — a known trigger for laminitis.
Thunderbrook tip: Support digestion naturally with Gut Restore and Ulsa-X Prebiotic Mash, which support a healthy gut environment and reduce dietary stress.
- Post-Foaling Complications
Retained placentas after foaling can lead to infection that can result in endotoxins getting into the bloodstream and triggering laminitis. Always rely on veterinary advice and monitor mares closely throughout and after birth.
- Hoof Trauma
Poor hoof care, bruising, or prolonged work on hard surfaces can lead to inflammation. Veterinary advice, careful consideration of workload and surfaces, as well as regular trimming by a qualified farrier every 6–8 weeks is essential.
- Medication Reactions
Some medications can result in laminitis as a side effect. Always consult your vet and use products as directed by your vet and the manufacturer especially for horses prone to laminitis.
What to Do If Your Horse Has Laminitis
- Call your vet immediately for diagnosis and pain management , and follow their directions and recommendations.
- Remove concentrates and grazing. Feed only low-sugar, stalky hay.
- Use a vitamin-mineral supplement instead of hard feed. Thunderbrook’s natural range supports balanced nutrition without excess sugar or starch.
- Cool the hooves by standing the horse on wet sand or soft mud.
- Work with your farrier to relieve pressure and support hoof structure.
Preventing Laminitis – Natural Management Tips
- Introduce pasture gradually — start with short turnout and increase slowly.
- Turn out in the morning when sugar levels (fructan) in grass are lower. Avoid turnout after night frost.Take into account all factor that influence fructan index at your horses location.
- Avoid stressed or bare pasture — short grass is often high in sugar.
- Feed fibre first — offer soaked hay or a wet fibre rich mash like Ulsa-X Prebiotic Mash before turnout to reduce grass intake.
- Adjust feeds and supplements to suit when pasture access increases/changes.
- Use strip grazing to control grass intake.
- Seek veterinary advice and monitor mares post-foaling for placenta retention.
- Consider grain-free feeding for sensitive horses to reduce sugar and starch intake.
Nutritional Support for Laminitis-Prone Horses
While no supplement can replace good management, some natural ingredients may help support hoof integrity, digestion, and metabolic balance — especially during seasonal transitions.
Thunderbrook LaminEase is formulated for horses with metabolic concerns to Support strong hoof structure and laminae integrity. It contains bilberry, spirulina, turmeric, and cinnamon — botanicals known to naturally support liver function, balanced metabolism, and hoof integrity.
It’s especially beneficial during seasonal transitions when dietary changes can challenge your horse’s system. LaminEase works in harmony with Thunderbrook’s natural feeding philosophy — gentle, effective, and rooted in nature.
Conclusion – Supporting Your Horse Naturally
Laminitis is a serious condition, but with early recognition, thoughtful management, and natural nutritional support, you can support your horse stay comfortable and resilient.
Whether your horse is recovering from laminitis, prone to metabolic challenges or simply at risk, focusing on gut health, metabolic balance, and gentle hoof care can make all the difference.