Horses, like all animals, vary in their conformation, including their foot structure. I'm assuming that the hoof conformation is such that the sole is on the ground because of lack of support from the surrounding wall, and/or there is a lack of heel support. Genetically, some horses have stronger, or more correctly shaped feet. Environment can help or hurt natural conformation. Of primary need would be to seek assistance from one or more farriers trained in corrective shoeing or horses with less than desirable hoof structure. There are a number of shoeing alternatives. Second opinions are important if the conformational problem is severe, as therapies can be very individual to the shoer and influenced greatly by his/her past experience. Nutritional aids are on the market, but the significance of most in correcting such a problem if the horse is otherwise on good nutrition is low. Maintaining a good water balance in the hoof by using fat/petroleum substances on the hoof may help strengthen the hoof wall. These conditions are usually multi-factorial, so working on all areas of influence (shoeing, hoof dressings, clean environments, housing, nutrition) is the general recommendation.

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