Horse Hoof Care

Ringbone in horses is a condition that affects the pastern joint.  Ringbone can occur either high or low on the pastern, and with varying degree of seriousness.

Common causes of ringbone are:

1. Concussion around the pastern area that starts a calcium deposit to start growing in order to offset the injury.
2. Poor conformation leading to a weaker and more susceptible bone structure inside the hoof.
3. Improper shoeing is a possibility if there is repeated structural weaknesses exposed through a poorly done job.

Hereditary cases are certainly out there and are the direct result of conformation weakness in the pastern joint area.

Ringbone is not to be taken lightly and can be offset by corrective shoeing in some cases.  The common solution is to immobilize the back area of the hoof with an eggbar shoe or some such horseshoe configuration and offset the way in which the breakover follows to allow the smoothest flight pattern possible.

Make sure to call your vet and farrier if you think your horse may have ringbone.  X-rays are a must in this situation.

The farrier's main aim in this type of situation is to reduce the articulation of the joint - allowing an easier breakover.

_{Written By: Josh Emsley}