Prevention
No horse is immune to hoof problems, but common sense implies that this infection can be minimized by maintaining clean stalls, scheduling regular farrier visits, and providing balanced nutrition. A study at the University of Edinburgh confirmed that prolonged contact with manure caused disintegration of hoof tissue, and the damage was especially severe when the hoof wall was already in poor condition. Trimming or resetting shoes every five to six weeks protects the hooves in two ways – the tissue strain caused by imbalances or long toes can usually be avoided, and frequent exams allow a farrier to find evidence of disease before the infection has destroyed extensive areas of the hoof.