How to Avoid Laminitis

clinical laminitis – and take action before the horse progresses into acute laminitis. Waiting until you see the classical ‘laminitis stance’ is going to be very painful for your horse and result in expensive vet/hoof care bills.

Research has found that fewer than half of horses exhibit a ‘founder stance’ so it’s not a reliable indicator.

Monitor your horse regularly – sometimes it’s hard to see the subtle changes so learn how to body condition score.

Use a weight tape and get another perspective from an experienced friend or equine health professional such as your bodyworker, hoof care provider or vet.

Work out the best diet – get the help of an equine nutritionist if you are not sure exactly what your horse needs for its stage of life.

Feed a mineral supplement that’s high in copper, zinc and other ingredients specific to assisting laminitis (if your horse is prone to it) like Carol Layton’s Balanced Equine HoofXtra Mineral mix.

It’s a good idea to have plenty of grass hay on hand that has low sugar and starch for when your horse is restricted from the grass.

Make sure they are getting plenty of movement and exercise – there’s nothing like exercise to burn up the sugar and starch that otherwise accumulates in the hindgut, producing the toxins that ultimately result in sub-clinical or acute laminitis.

Exercise can be from long track systems with a herd to help move them, being led off another horse, being ridden or driven, or an active play session at liberty.

You could even teach your horse to follow a bicycle if it can’t be ridden or driven – this video shows how.