Managing Quarter Cracks with Proper Trimming and Pour-in Pads

When hooves aren’t trimmed properly or horseshoes don’t fit correctly, horses distribute their weight unevenly and land on their feet differently.

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When a person wears the same pair of shoes for a long period of time, parts of the shoes wear out more than others based on how the person walks and distributes his or her weight. Once shoes wear out, the feet are not properly supported. This scenario is also true for horseshoes and hooves. When hooves aren’t trimmed properly or horseshoes don’t fit correctly, horses distribute their weight unevenly and land on their feet differently. While some horses can be genetically predisposed to quarter cracks, they often happen because hooves are not being properly trimmed. When hooves are not well maintained, the horse strikes the same area every time it bears weight, causing stress on one-quarter of the hoof wall, hence the name “quarter crack.” This usually happens at the widest point of the hoof wall between the toe and the heel where the pressure is built up from uneven weight distribution.

Symptoms and Conditions

There are different causes and symptoms that can be identified before a quarter crack occurs. Some examples include:

  • Long Toes: Oftentimes owners and farriers are afraid to trim a foot too much, and the heel grows forward toward the toe and underneath the foot. When this happens, the horse’s foot is not flat on the ground. (see photo, top right)
  • Heels: Heels grow at an angle, as seen in long toe photo. The angle continues under the foot because it is not trimmed. As the heel grows under the foot, it affects how the horse bears its weight. As the coronary band (where the hoof and hairline meet) bends down into the hoof, the hoof wall will eventually crack to relieve the pressure. A photo of a healthy, trimmed hoof is pictured on the right.
  • Uneven Hairline: If a horse distributes its weight unevenly, the hairline above the hoof wall becomes uneven. If you notice that a horse is lame and the hairline is crooked, that usually means its weight is being distributed unevenly. On a balanced hoof, the hairline is straight.

Managing Quarter Cracks A horse often becomes lame when it has a quarter crack, and it can become very lame if the condition is not treated. First and foremost, it’s important to figure out what caused the quarter crack. Is the horse’s toe too long? Is its weight being distributed evenly? Is the horse striking in the same place repeatedly during a racing competition? It’s important to know what causes the cracking in the hoof wall because the condition will never go away if the foot isn’t balanced properly. A horse needs to distribute its weight evenly so that it can land on its feet without putting stress on the hoof wall. A farrier

Depending on the severity of the quarter crack, there are materials that can help close the cracked area. If it appears to be an exposed wound, it’s important that the area is cleaned and left uncovered to heal, and treated by a hoof care professional or veterinarian. If the crack seems to be healing and is not infected, hoof-bonding compounds can be applied over the crack to help close the gap. Adhere can be bonded to the hooves while the horse is standing.

Preventative Measures

To reiterate, the feet support a horse’s entire body weight. If its weight is not distributed evenly, it can cause injury and cracking to the hooves. With proper trimming and pour-in pads for support, a horse will be able to stand evenly and bear weight comfortably. No matter its activity level, it’s important that a farrier is managing and trimming a horse’s hooves consistently. Just as humans need new shoes for proper support, horses also need that treatment. Whether preventing or managing quarter cracks, trimming and pour-in pad materials can provide the support and durable protection necessary for optimal hoof health.

Tab Pigg is a retired farrier with more than twenty years of experience in the field and a Vettec Hoof Care representative.