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Home > Articles > Hoof Flares
Hoof Flares
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Q: Why do hooves flare and what can I do about them?
A: Flares are a distortion of the hoof wall caused by unnatural forces on the hoof capsule. Flares are caused by long (not necessarily high) heels accompanied by high, laid-over bars. Sometimes flaring is caused by a medial-lateral imbalance and are frequently accompanied by white line separation. It's important to know that flares can develop into quarter cracks if the problem is not corrected.
To prevent flares, you will first need to determine the correct heel height for your horse. Remove the excess bar so that it is passive to the heel, and terminates at the mid-point of the frog. Optimum circulation results when the forward 2/3 of the frog is passive to the wall. The contoured sole, except in the toe region, should also be passive to the wall. Remember to scoop the quarters.
To rid the wall of existing flares, perform the same trim as outlined above and be sure to keep the bars in check every two days! Heel height and bar definition are very important in a bad flaring situation. A passively supportive sole heel within the wall/bar triangle is desirable. Thin the flared wall section by rasping or nipping to 1/2 of its thickness to the white line.
~ Martha Olivo
United Horsemanship President
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