Equine Lameness: Causes, Common Conditions and Natural Support for Horses

November 10, 2026

Lameness can occur in horses for a variety of reasons. Injury, overwork, hoof problems, joint conditions, infections, heavy worm burdens, nutritional imbalances and pasture or feed-related issues can all contribute to changes in movement and comfort.

Some horses show obvious signs of lameness, while others display much more subtle changes, such as stiffness, a shortened stride, reluctance to work or changes in temperament.

Identifying the underlying cause is important when deciding how best to support your horse. Natural therapies, homeopathic remedies, herbal preparations, nutritional support and appropriate management can all form part of an individual approach to equine health.

Pasture and feed-related issues are also worth considering. If you suspect your horse may be reacting to something in their grazing environment, please contact us.

Recognising the early signs of lameness

Lameness isn't always an obvious limp. Horses can compensate for discomfort, making early signs easy to overlook.

Some things to look out for include:

A shortened or uneven stride
Stiffness when first moving, particularly after standing
Reluctance to turn or move on certain surfaces
Head nodding or uneven weight-bearing
Dragging or scuffing the toes
Heat or swelling around a joint, tendon or hoof
Increased sensitivity when picking up or handling a foot
Reluctance to work, jump or perform movements they previously managed comfortably
Changes in temperament or resistance when being ridden

Getting to know your horse's normal movement makes it easier to recognise changes early. Recurring stiffness or reduced performance shouldn't simply be dismissed as ageing or being out of work.

Hoof and joint conditions

Bog Spavin

Bog spavin involves swelling of the hock joint, usually due to an increase in fluid within the joint capsule.

Traditional homeopathic references include Apis during the early stages when swelling is present and Bryonia where there is inflammation and tenderness.

For external care, Greenpet HerbGel is a natural herbal massage gel suitable for horses. It can be massaged into surrounding areas where your horse experiences general aches, pains or muscular tension. Avoid applying it to broken skin or open wounds.

Bone Spavin

Bone spavin is a form of osteoarthritis affecting the lower hock joints. It involves bony changes and may cause stiffness or lameness.

Traditional homeopathic references include Rhus tox where stiffness improves with movement, Ruta grav in the early stages when periostitis develops, and Arnica where the condition follows an injury.

Greenpet HerbGel is a natural herbal massage gel that can be incorporated into a massage routine for areas of general aches and pains. Avoid applying it to broken skin or open wounds.

Carpitis

Carpitis refers to acute or chronic inflammation affecting the carpal (knee) joint. It can occur following injury or repetitive strain.

Traditional homeopathic references include Ruta grav where periosteal involvement is present, Rhus tox where movement improves stiffness, Calc fluor where bony exostoses develop, Silicea in chronic cases involving fibrous enlargement, and Hecla lava for bony changes.

Greenpet HerbGel can also be considered as a massage gel for surrounding areas of muscular tension and general discomfort.

Corns

Corns commonly occur in the forefeet and involve bruising or damage to the sensitive tissues beneath the hoof wall. They may become painful and, in some cases, develop infection.

Traditional homeopathic references include Arnica where injury is involved, Calc fluor for hard tissue changes and Silicea where suppuration is present.

A warm Epsom salt foot soak may be considered where appropriate. The cause and extent of the corn should also be assessed, with farriery advice where needed.

Curb

A curb is a thickening or swelling at the back of the hock, usually involving the plantar ligament. It can be associated with strain or injury.

Traditional homeopathic references include Rhus tox during the acute inflammatory stage, Ruta grav where periosteal changes are present and Silicea in chronic cases involving scar tissue.

Greasy Heel

Greasy heel is a skin condition affecting the lower legs, particularly around the pasterns. It can involve irritation, scabs, swelling and discharge.

Horses kept in damp, muddy or dirty conditions may be more prone to developing skin problems in this area. The horse may show restlessness, and there may be swelling of the legs with an oily or sticky discharge.

Gently wash the affected area with warm water and dry thoroughly. Greenpet HealAll Cream is a natural herbal cream containing calendula, comfrey, goldenseal, aloe vera and vitamin E. It's a useful addition to your horse's skin-care routine.

Traditional homeopathic references include Graphites for sticky, honey-coloured discharge, Arsenicum alb in the early stages, Antimonium crudum where vesicles and skin thickening occur, and Thuja.

Keep the horse's environment as clean and dry as possible. If the problem keeps returning, consider looking more closely at your horse's diet and overall nutrition.

Laminitis (Founder)

Laminitis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the sensitive structures within the hoof. It commonly affects the front feet but can involve all four.

During an acute episode, the horse may stand with their hind feet tucked underneath their body and their front feet extended forwards to reduce pressure. They may be reluctant to move, shift their weight between feet or show a characteristic rocked-back stance.

Common contributing factors include excessive intake of grain or other high-energy feeds, sudden access to rich pasture and underlying metabolic or nutritional imbalances.

Overweight horses and ponies, and those with metabolic conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome or PPID (Cushing's disease), may be particularly susceptible.

Pasture and feed management are important considerations. Grass sugar and carbohydrate levels vary with grass species, growth stage, weather, sunlight and temperature. Sudden access to lush pasture can be particularly problematic for horses that aren't accustomed to it.

If you suspect laminitis, act promptly. Restrict access to pasture and grain, keep the horse comfortable and arrange an appropriate assessment. Don't force a horse with suspected acute laminitis to walk or exercise.

Mud Fever

Mud fever is a skin condition affecting the lower legs, particularly around the pasterns. It can cause small pustules, scabs, irritation and swelling.

Gently clean the affected area, dry it thoroughly and keep the horse's legs as clean and dry as possible.

Greenpet HealAll Cream is a natural herbal cream containing calendula, comfrey, goldenseal, aloe vera and vitamin E. It can be applied to the affected skin as part of your horse's external care routine.

Traditional homeopathic references include Apis where swelling is present.

Avoid leaving horses standing in muddy conditions for extended periods and check their lower legs regularly.

Rain Scald

Rain scald is a skin condition associated with prolonged wet weather and damp conditions. It commonly affects the back, rump and sometimes the lower legs. Small scabs develop, and the hair may become matted or come away with the scabs, leaving sensitive areas underneath.

Keep your horse as dry as possible and avoid brushing or picking at scabs unnecessarily.

Greenpet HealAll Cream is a natural herbal cream containing calendula, comfrey, goldenseal, aloe vera and vitamin E. It can be included in your horse's skin-care routine.

Regularly check your horse's coat and skin, particularly during prolonged wet weather, and consider whether their living conditions are contributing to recurring skin problems.

Periostitis

Periostitis is inflammation of the periosteum, the membrane surrounding bone. It commonly occurs around the fetlock and may be associated with localised swelling and tenderness.

Traditional homeopathic references include Ruta grav, Apis where fluid accumulation is present and Bryonia where heat and tenderness occur.

Quittor

Quittor is an infection involving the cartilage of the hoof, often associated with a draining tract near the coronary band.

Traditional homeopathic references include Hypericum or Ledum where a puncture wound is involved, Hepar sulph where suppuration is present and Silicea in chronic cases.

A gentle wash made with Hypericum and Calendula has traditionally been used for external care. Quittor can involve deeper structures within the hoof, so the extent of the problem needs to be established before deciding on an appropriate approach.

Ringbone

Ringbone refers to bony growth around the pastern or coffin joint. It can involve high or low ringbone and may contribute to stiffness and lameness.

Traditional homeopathic references include Silicea where fibrous changes are developing, and Calc fluor or Ruta grav where bony changes are present.

Greenpet Joint GMC is a nutritional supplement containing glucosamine, MSM and rosehips. It can be included as part of a horse's joint and mobility nutrition programme.

Navicular Disease

Navicular syndrome involves pain associated with the navicular region of the hoof and usually affects the front feet. Horses may show intermittent lameness, a shortened stride or reluctance to work on certain surfaces.

Traditional homeopathic references include Crotalus horridus, Secale and Bryonia, depending on the individual presentation.

Hoof balance, farriery, footing, workload and overall nutrition are important considerations when supporting horses with ongoing foot discomfort.

Greenpet Joint GMC may also be considered as part of a broader nutritional support plan.

Sandcrack

A sandcrack is a vertical crack or split in the hoof wall. Cracks can vary in depth and severity and may be associated with trauma, poor hoof quality, imbalance or nutritional factors.

Corrective farriery may be necessary, depending on the location and severity of the crack. Good hoof care and balanced nutrition are also important.

Traditional homeopathic references include Calc fluor and Silicea.

Greenpet Linseed Meal is a natural wholefood ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and protein. It can be included in a balanced feeding programme.

Seedy Toe

Seedy toe involves separation between the hoof wall and the underlying sensitive structures, creating cavities where debris and infection can accumulate.

Regular hoof care and trimming are important. Your farrier can assess the extent of the separation and determine how much affected hoof wall needs to be removed.

Traditional homeopathic references include Silicea and Hepar sulph in the early stages.

Copper Cubeez is designed for use in hoof wall separation and seedy toe. It can help protect prepared areas from mud and debris. Follow the product directions carefully.

If seedy toe keeps recurring, consider whether nutritional imbalances or environmental factors may be contributing.

Sidebones

Sidebones are areas of ossification affecting the lateral cartilages of the hoof. They are commonly found in the front feet and may be associated with concussion, workload and hoof conformation.

Traditional homeopathic approaches used for ringbone are also referenced for sidebones.

Greenpet Joint GMC may be considered as part of an overall nutritional support programme.

Splints

Splints are bony enlargements that develop along the splint bones of the lower leg, commonly on the inside of the front legs below the knee.

They may develop following injury, concussion or repeated strain.

Traditional homeopathic references include Arnica following injury, Ruta grav where periosteal changes are present, and Silicea or Calc fluor where bony enlargement develops.

A warm compress may be considered for external comfort, but avoid applying pressure to an acutely painful or swollen area.

Stringhalt

Stringhalt is a movement disorder involving exaggerated, involuntary flexion of one or both hind legs. The horse may suddenly lift a hind leg higher than normal when walking.

Traditional homeopathic references include Strychninum for involuntary or spasmodic muscle movements.

Magnesium is important for normal muscle and nerve function, so overall mineral balance and dietary intake are worth considering. Avoid assuming that magnesium deficiency is the cause of stringhalt, as there can be different contributing factors.

If the condition is recurring, review the horse's diet, pasture and overall nutritional intake.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation or injury affecting a tendon, commonly one of the flexor tendons in the lower leg. It can occur following overwork, strain or trauma.

Traditional homeopathic references include Rhus tox where stiffness improves with movement, Apis where swelling is present and Silicea in chronic cases.

Greenpet HerbGel is a natural herbal massage gel suitable for horses. It can be used as part of a massage routine for general aches, pains and muscular tension. Avoid applying it to broken skin or open wounds.

Rest, appropriate rehabilitation and careful management of workload are also important considerations for tendon injuries.

Thrush

Thrush is a common hoof condition affecting the frog. It is associated with bacterial activity and often produces a dark, foul-smelling discharge.

Keep the hooves clean and dry, remove accumulated dirt and debris, and clean the frog grooves regularly. Horses kept in wet or dirty conditions may be more prone to developing thrush.

Traditional homeopathic references include Kreosotum for foul-smelling discharge, Silicea where unhealthy tissue is present and Kali bich where thick, offensive discharge occurs.

Copper Cubeez may also be considered for appropriate hoof-care concerns. Keep the hoof clean and follow the product's application directions.

The role of nutrition in hoof and joint health

Nutrition is an important part of maintaining healthy hooves, bones, joints, tendons and connective tissue. A horse can have an excellent farrier routine and still experience hoof-quality issues if their diet isn't meeting their nutritional requirements.

Some important nutritional considerations include:

Protein and amino acids

Protein provides the building blocks needed for normal tissue growth and maintenance. Amino acids such as methionine are involved in the formation of keratin, the structural protein that makes up the hoof wall.

Zinc and copper

These trace minerals are involved in many processes throughout the body, including normal skin, connective tissue and hoof development.

Biotin

Biotin is a B vitamin commonly included in hoof supplements and is associated with improvements in hoof quality in some horses, particularly where intake has been inadequate.

Sulphur-containing amino acids

Methionine and cysteine contribute to keratin formation and are important considerations when looking at hoof nutrition.

Essential fatty acids

Omega fatty acids form part of a balanced diet and contribute to overall skin and coat condition.

It's important to look at the whole diet rather than simply adding individual supplements. Forage quality, mineral balance, protein intake, workload and the horse's individual requirements all need to be considered.

Pasture, feeding and laminitis risk

Pasture conditions can have a significant influence on a horse's nutritional intake. Grass sugar and carbohydrate levels vary with grass species, growth stage, weather, sunlight, temperature and grazing conditions.

Sudden access to lush pasture, particularly for horses that aren't accustomed to it, can create problems. Horses that are overweight or have underlying metabolic imbalances may be particularly vulnerable.

It's worth considering:

The type of pasture your horse is grazing
How quickly they're introduced to new or lush grazing
Their body condition and weight
The amount of grain and concentrated feed in their diet
Whether their overall diet is balanced for their individual needs

Equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing's disease) are important considerations in horses with recurring laminitis.

Pasture and feed management should be tailored to the individual horse rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Everyday hoof care

Good hoof care is about consistency. Small issues can develop into bigger problems if they're overlooked.

A regular hoof-care routine should include:

Picking out all four feet daily and checking for stones, dirt and debris
Checking for cracks, splits, bruising, unusual odours or discharge
Looking for changes in hoof shape and condition
Maintaining regular farrier visits to keep hooves balanced
Keeping bedding and stable areas as clean and dry as possible
Avoiding sudden changes in workload, footing or exercise intensity
Providing a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins and minerals

Pay particular attention to changes in hoof balance. Long toes, collapsed heels and uneven trimming can place additional strain on the tendons, ligaments and joints.

Greenpet products for equine hoof, joint and skin care

Greenpet stocks a range of natural products for horses, including herbal creams, massage gels, nutritional supplements and hoof-care products.

Here are some options to explore:

Greenpet HealAll Cream

A natural herbal cream containing calendula, comfrey, goldenseal, aloe vera and vitamin E. Suitable for all animal species and a useful addition to your horse's skin-care routine, particularly for concerns such as rain scald, greasy heel and mud fever.

Greenpet HerbGel

A natural herbal massage gel suitable for horses, dogs and people. It can be massaged into areas of general aches, pains and muscular tension. Available in 50g, 200g and 500g tubs. Do not use on broken skin or open wounds.

Greenpet Joint GMC

A nutritional supplement containing glucosamine, MSM and rosehips. It can be included in a horse's joint and mobility nutrition programme.

Copper Cubeez

A hoof-care product designed for use in hoof wall separation and seedy toe, helping protect prepared areas from mud and debris.

Equimin Horse & Livestock Supplement

A natural nutritional powder containing Australian dolomite, seaweed meal, rice bran, garlic, rosehips, nettle, chamomile, peppermint, alfalfa, green barley and spirulina. It provides a range of naturally occurring nutrients and plant compounds to complement your horse's daily diet.

Greenpet Linseed Meal

A natural wholefood ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and protein. It can be mixed into damp feed as part of a balanced diet.