Hoof Bruises

Sometimes horses will get bruised on the frog or the sole of their hooves. Sole bruises in horses are quite common, especially if you ride on the street or on the trail quite a bit.  Any loose rock or hard surface can cause a sole bruise on a horse’s hoof. Sole bruises happen to trail horses all the time. If your horse has a sole bruise you’ll notice the horse favoring that foot and going slower than usual. Sole bruises don’t often cause total lameness.  

To prevent sole bruises, if you know you’re going to be riding on an uneven, hard or rocky surface, get shoes put on your horse's hooves to protect the hooves. If your horse has had several bruises in the past and has tender hooves as a result, ask your blacksmith to put a padded shoe on your horse.  Padded shoes will provide a cushion for the hoof and protect it from any further bruising.

The only way to treat sole bruises is to let them heal on their own. Try to give your horse a few days of stall rest and give the horse someplace soft to stand. Put a rubber mat in the stall or add extra bedding for a few days until the bruised hoof heals.