These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Horses Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Hoof Crack

Last Updated: September 29, 2011

View as web page


Toe Crack

A hoof crack is a visible vertical crack in the hoof wall.

Cracks are referred to by location, such as:

  • Toe
  • Quarter
  • Heel
  • Bar crack

Treatment consists mainly of immobilizing the hoof crack, thus permitting sound hoof wall to grow down from the coronary band.

Stabilizing cracking may involve:

  • Side clips
  • Burning the top of the crack
  • Applying an acrylic
  • Rasping a half moon shape under the crack to remove the pressure that occurs when weight is applied on the hoof.

For more info, see Common Hoof Problems

Browse related Articles by tag: horses, glossary


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.