What can cause prominent hoof rings?

Hoof rings are likely caused by external stressors. They show up as a deviation around the hoof wall from the coronary band, the area that provides nutrition to hooves and allows them to grow.

What do hoof rings indicate?

Hoof rings are external lines in the hoof that indicate fluctuations in the growth of the hoof wall over time. These growth rings can appear as tightly woven rings around to the hoof, or one wide pattern.

Why do horses get rings on their hooves?

Hoof rings, also called growth rings, are generally the result of seasonal diet changes, especially in horses with a forage-heavy diet. As the nutrient content in grass increases, cellular production shifts and causes slight color variations in the hoof wall. There is minimal change in the texture of the hooves.

What causes a horse to have a hoof ring?

• Laminitis. A bout of laminitis is an obvious stressor to a horse. The inflammation of the lamina causes a decrease in blood supply, which can lead to hoof rings or eventually lameness if left untreated.

What does founder do to the hoof of a horse?

Laminitis or “founder” is a painful, debilitating, inflammatory condition of the hoof. The foot bone is suspended inside the hoof by sheet-like tissue called lamina, and during founder, this tissue stretches.

Why are there ridges on my horse’s hooves?

Like hoof rings, ridges are plainly visible, but one important difference is the formation of well-defined bumps or ledges on the wall. Horses with chronic laminitis may have repeated disturbances in hoof wall growth, causing these ridges to take on a V-like appearance toward the toe.

What’s the difference between hoof ridges and hoof rings?

Hoof ridges, on the other hand, are usually indicative of a body-wide health insult, particularly one that causes fever, such as a bout with laminitis or nutrient toxicity. Like hoof rings, ridges are plainly visible, but one important difference is the formation of well-defined bumps or ledges on the wall.