Last Updated on February 14, 2023
When a horse has suffered from its founder, it will be prone to the recurrence of this painful condition for the rest of its life. Understanding how to tell if a horse has foundered in the past will help you to take all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of foundering in the future.
“Founder” is a term frequently thrown around in the equestrian world, but many people misunderstand what it means. Phrases like, “that horse foundered,” are often said and always dreaded. Founder in horses, also called laminitis, can affect all horses, and is important for all horse owners and horse people to understand why it happens and how to prevent it.
Most cases of the founder in horses are treatable, but it can be life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly. Because of this, it is important for all who spend time with horses to be able to identify when the founder may have occurred.
Today we will be discussing what a founder is, what causes a founder, and what the symptoms of a founder look like. We’ll also investigate how to treat the founder in a horse, how to prevent the founder from occurring, and how to tell if a horse has foundered in the past.
Who is the Founder of Horses?
Founder – more correctly known as laminitis – is caused by inflammation of the tissues which lie between a horse’s hoof and pedal bone. These tissues are called lamina and are vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the hoof. Laminitis is an extremely painful condition that causes great discomfort in the fee and can be severely debilitating if not recognized and treated promptly
The role of the laminae is to hold the hoof capsule tightly in place against the main bone inside the hoof, the pedal bone. When these laminae within the hoof become inflamed they start to weaken, and the pedal bone starts to move away from the hoof capsule.
Both the inflammation and the physical changes within the hoof make it extremely painful for horses to put weight on the feet affected. In mild cases of laminitis,s the horse may go slightly lame, or be reluctant to walk on hard or stony ground. In severe cases,s the horse may be unable to walk or stand on their feet at all.
What is the difference between foundering and sinking?
Foundering and sinking are both terms used to describe changes that occur within the hoof when a horse has suffered from laminitis. However, many people get confused as to what the difference between these two terms is.
When a horse founders, the pedal bone has rotated within the hoof capsule. This means that the tip of the pedal bone has rotated downwards and away from the front wall of the hoof. Sinking of the pedal bone means the entire bone has dropped downwards within the hoof capsule.
Both of these changes are severely detrimental to the horse, and some horses will suffer from foundering and sinking at the same time. In any case of laminitis, it is important to treat the horse as quickly as possible and provide support to the hoof before any of these changes occur.
What Causes Founder in Horses?
It used to be thought that the founder in horses was caused byovereating-richh foods, but recent research has highlighted many potential causes of laminitis in horses. Whilst overeating can certainly contribute to the problem, it is more complex than first thought.
It is very rare to see a case of laminitis that does not have an underlying hormonal or inflammatory cause. For example, one of the main causes of laminitis in horses is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). This is similar to diabetes in people and is caused by abnormal fat cells which create an imbalance of insulin and glucose within the body. So, while a one-off binge of calorie-rich food can cause laminitis, it is highly likely that the horse was already at high risk due to obesity.
Another common cause of laminitis in horses is an age-related hormonal disorder called Cushing’s disease, or PPID. Like EMS, this condition disrupts the regulation of glucose and insulin within the body. Most horses that suffer from the founder will test positive for either EMS, PPID, or both.
Other less common causes of the founder in horses include blood poisoning resulting from other infections, colic, any exterior trauma or concussion to a horse’s hooves, or excessive weight-bearing on one hoof due to lameness.
Any case of a founder in horses will not resolve until the underlying cause has been identified and treated.
Can a horse founder on hay?
The key to managing the founder in horses is to manage the underlying cause, and for many horses,s this means careful dietary management. Obesity is one of the most common causes of the founder in horses, so a reduction in body weight is necessary to prevent the founder from recurring in the future.
If a horse is consistently fed too much hay and becomes overweight or obese, this can lead to founder. The body condition score of the horse should be regularly assessed and the quantity of hay fed adjusted accordingly. Soaking the hay for 30 to 60 minutes can also reduce the overall calorie intake.
Is clover bad for horses with laminitis?
Horses and ponies that are at risk of laminitis should not be grazed on clover-rich pasture. This is because clover is higher in starch than grass, and can trigger an episode of laminitis in horses that are more susceptible to this condition. So, any horse that is overweight, obese, or suffering from EMS or Cushing’s disease, should not be given access to grazing land that is rich in clover.
Symptoms of Founder in Horses
There are several symptoms of the founder in horses, though some of these symptoms can be symptoms of other lameness problems. It is important to consult experts, including vets, when analyzing these symptoms in your horse or horses belonging to others.
Signs of the founder in horses
One of the first signs of founder in horses is that the horse appears reluctant to move or seems footsore over hard or stony ground. Because laminitis normally occurs in two or more hooves, the horse may not be obviously lame at first.
Another tell-tale sign of the founder is when a horse leans back, almost looking like it is stretching. They do this to try to alleviate the pain in the hooves. Many horses with the founder will spend more time lying down than usual.
A tell-tale sign of the founder in horses is increased digital pulses to the hooves. These pulses can be felt at the back of the fetlock and pastern in the horse – in a normal horse, they should barely be detectable, but in a horse with a founder, they will be very strong.
How is Founder in Horses Treated?
Treating founder in horses is very complex and should always be done on the advice of your veterinarian. The main focus of treating founder in horses should be to remove the underlying cause and keep the horse comfortable, whilst fully supporting the hooves to prevent movement of the pedal bone.
For example, if a horse has foundered due to obesity-led EMS, a restricted diet will be necessary to reduce the horse’s body weight. High-sugar foods and grains must be eliminated from the diet, and it may be necessary to give medication to control insulin levels until a normal body condition score is reached.
Horses with Cushing’s disease will require medication to control the hormonal changes within the body. As Cushing’s disease cannot be cured, this medication will be necessary for the remainder of the horse’s life.
During the initial stages of laminitis, it is vital to provide support and protection to minimize the risk of the pedal bone rotating or sinking. The horse should be kept stable on a deep bed to encourage it to lie down. Never force a horse with laminitis to move or attempt to exercise it.
Horses that have foundered can also be supported by fake shoes or shoe-like devices. There are many such devices on the market, some of which your vet may recommend to you. The most common one that I have seen is simply duct-taping a horse’s foot to styrofoam supports or special sterile pads.
One of the biggest ways horse owners help treat horses that have foundered is by corrective farrier work. There are methods and materials farriers can use to relieve pressure on a horse’s foot.
Horses that have foundered will also frequently need more regular farrier care than horses that have not foundered. This will help the horse stay comfortable and even prevent the horse from being infected again.
How to Prevent Founder in HorsesThe founder can seriously affect a horse’s health, comfort, and well-being. Sometimes, a founder happens regardless of what precautions are taken, but it never hurts to take preventative measures.
First on the list of founder prevention is to make sure your horse has a balanced diet, especially during the changing of seasons when their diet may be changing from grass to hay. Monitor your horse’s weight and body condition score carefully, and make adjustments to the diet if you notice any weight gain.
Secondly, make sure your horse is seen regularly by a farrier. Keeping the exterior of a horse’s hoof healthy and in the correct shape can help prevent the founder. A horse with long, misshapen hooves is at greater risk of structural changes within the hoof should a bout of founder occur.
And finally, make sure your horse gets exercised regularly. This doesn’t necessarily have to be riding – it could be lunging, free schooling, hand walking, etc. Horses that are fit and maintain a healthy body weight are far less likely to suffer from laminitis.
How to Tell if a Horse Has Foundered in The Past
Knowing how to tell if a horse has foundered in the past is essential to help provide the appropriate care and support to the horse. The signs of the founder will subside over time, but there are some key changes to look out for.
A horse that is recovering from its founder may still be foot-sore, especially if walked over stony or hard ground. You may be able to detect slightly increased digital pulses to the hoof, and the horse may be painful if the sole of the hoof is pressed.
What does a foundered hoof look like?
When a horse founders, there are tell-tale signs to look out for in the hoof, including:
- A flat or dropped sole
- A dip at the coronary band
- Widened white line
- Dished dorsal hoof wall
- Lines on the hoof wall
How Long Does it Take For a Horse to Get Laminitis?
The onset of laminitis can either be slow and progressive, such as when a horse has equine metabolic syndrome, or it may be more rapid if triggered by an unusual event. In the latter situation, the symptoms of laminitis may be seen between 1 and 3 days after the event.
Triggers of laminitis include excessive administration of steroids, excessive consumption of foods containing high levels of sugar in the form of carbohydrates, or a stressful incident. Some medical conditions such as septicemia or endometriosis can also trigger laminitis in horses.
Why do steroids cause laminitis in horses?
As with many things to do with laminitis in horses, it is not entirely clear why steroids can trigger this painful condition. Steroids are commonly administered to horses to reduce inflammation, and in higher doses, they have been linked to the sudden onset of laminitis. If your horse requires steroids, your veterinarian will normally discuss the risk factors of using this medication and outline the early signs of laminitis to watch out for.
How to Trim a Horse With Founder?
Regular hoof trimming is one of the most important aspects of treating a horse with a founder. This type of trimming, known as remedial farriery, is a specialist technique aimed at making the horse more comfortable and minimizing structural changes within the hoof capsule.
Remedial trimming of a horse with a founder is normally carried out by a farrier working alongside a veterinarian. They may take radiographs of the horse’s hooves to assess the shape of the hoof wall about the bones underneath. This will allow them to decide how the hoof needs realigning to make the horse more comfortable.
In the case of the founder, it is normal to trim the hoof in a way that shapes the hoof wall to realign it with the pedal bone. This may involve altering the angle of the hoof wall and lowering the heels. In some situations, specialist shoes or hoof supports may be used to relieve pain and prevent structural changes within the hoof.
Founder trims can be carried out as frequently as every two weeks, as this time interval allows just a small amount of trimming at a time. Never attempt to trim a horse with the founder yourself, as you may cause permanent damage to the structures inside the hoof.
Can a horse founder from being trimmed too short?
Horses will not necessarily founder from being trimmed too short, but they can become quite uncomfortable. A short trim often leads to the horse being footsore for some time, as the sole of the hoof comes into contact with the floor. When a horse walks the weight should be carried on the outside wall, and any pressure on the sole can cause painful bruising.
If your farrier has accidentally trimmed your horse’s feet too short, hoof pads or temporary plastic shoes can help to relieve the discomfort. Avoid exercising your horse if it appears at all footsore – this will be particularly noticeable on hard or stony ground. It may be necessary to ask your veterinarian to provide anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the pain caused by excessive trimming of the hooves.
How do you treat a founder on a miniature horse?
The founder of a miniature horse should be treated in just the same way as any other type of horse. The main problem with miniature horses is that it is not always so easy to identify the level of lameness, so regular assessment with hoof testers may be required to assist with this.
As with all cases of the founder, miniature horses should be confined to a small area to restrict their movement. A full-size stable may be too large for this purpose, so it may be necessary to split a stable in half using a gate or partition.
Can You Ride a Horse With Mild Laminitis?
Horses with laminitis, no matter how mild, should never be ridden or exercised. It is recommended that horses with laminitis are kept on strict box rest with limited movement to allow the inflammation in the laminae to resolve. During this phase of inflammation, the laminae are very weak, and any movement will increase the risk of separation between the hoof wall and the pedal bone.
Can a horse jump after laminitis?
It is entirely possible for a horse to make a full recovery from laminitis and resume all the activities it could do previously, including jumping. However, the return to ridden exercise must be slow and steady, and should only take place once your veterinarian assesses that it is safe to do so. This could be weeks or even months, depending on the lameness levels of your horse.
Summary – How to Tell if a Horse Has Foundered in The Past
A diagnosis of the founder can be a scary time as a horse owner, as this condition can cause your horse a great amount of pain. However, knowing how to tell if a horse has foundered in the past can help you prevent it from happening again in the future. Being able to recognize the signs of the founder will enable you to get prompt treatment in place, maximizing the chances of your horse making a full recovery.
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FAQs
How do you tell if a horse has foundered in the past?
If a horse has foundered in the recent past, there may be tell-tale signs in the shape and condition of the hoof. However, if the founder does not recur, these will grow out over time, and after several years it may be impossible to tell if a horse has foundered in the past.
In the case of ongoing lameness in a horse, your veterinarian may take radiographs of the hooves to assess the position of the pedal bone. This will help to identify if the horse has foundered in the past.
What to feed a horse that has foundered?
Horses that have foundered should be fed an appropriate diet to maintain their ideal body condition score. Most horses that have foundered need to lose weight and should be fed grass hay rather than energy-dense feeds such as grain and oats. If a horse that has foundered needs to gain weight, the ideal energy source is oil or sugar beet pulp.
How long does horse founder last?
Any case of founder in a horse will not resolve until the cause of the problem has been treated; this may mean your horse needs to go onto a weight loss program or start a course of medication to treat underlying hormonal problems. Once the cause of founder has been treated, it is then a case of managing the horse's hoof care regime until the pain and inflammation have fully subsided.
In a mild case of laminitis, the horse should not be exercised for at least four weeks after the pain has subsided. This will give the laminae within the hoof sufficient time to regain their strength. In more severe cases, remedial farriery work may continue for several months or even years.
How do I know if my horse is foundering?
The symptoms of founder in horses include sudden onset of lameness, resistance to walking or moving, feeling a pulse and heat in the foot, shifting weight back and forth between legs, reluctance to bend the leg, and laying down more frequently. If you notice any of these symptoms in your horse and suspect that founder might be the cause, it is vital to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
How do I stop my horse from foundering?
If your horse is prone to founder, it is important to identify the underlying cause to stop it from recurring. Any horse, whether they have had founder in the past or not, should be kept at a healthy body weight and exercised regularly. If your horse is overweight or obese, try using a grazing muzzle to limit their food intake while out at grass.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.