Laminitis in Horses (Founder): Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Support

Laminitis—commonly known as founder—is one of the most painful and potentially devastating conditions a horse can face. It occurs when the sensitive laminae inside the hoof become inflamed, compromising the connection between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. If left unmanaged, laminitis can cause rotation or sinking of the coffin bone, leading to chronic pain, lameness, and even long-term disability.

Understanding what causes laminitis, how to spot early symptoms, and what support options exist—especially diet and natural supplementation—can make a critical difference in both managing and preventing this condition.

What Is Laminitis (Founder) in Horses?

Laminitis is the medical term, while founder is often used to describe the more advanced or chronic stages of the disease. Both terms refer to the same condition, but founder typically indicates structural damage to the hoof.

• Laminitis = Inflammation of the laminae in the hoof

• Founder = When laminitis leads to rotation/sinking of the coffin bone

Signs and Symptoms of Laminitis in Horses

Early detection is key. Recognizing the symptoms of laminitis before severe damage occurs can help prevent long-term issues:

• Sore front feet, especially when turning or walking on hard surfaces

• Warm hooves or a strong digital pulse in the lower leg

• Rocked-back stance to relieve pressure on the front hooves

• Reluctance to move or shifting weight between hooves

• Visible hoof wall separation (in severe cases)

Common Causes of Laminitis

Laminitis doesn’t have just one cause. It can result from metabolic disorders, diet, toxins, or mechanical stress. Here are the most common triggers:

Metabolic and Hormonal Conditions

• Insulin resistance (IR)

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

• Cushing’s disease (PPID)

Signs: cresty neck, fatty deposits, or unexplained weight changes.

Thyroid Imbalance

An underactive or overactive thyroid may predispose a horse to laminitis, particularly if they’re overweight or underweight.

👉 Support tip: A thyroid-supporting herbal blend may be more effective than laminitis-specific supplements in these cases.

Dietary Imbalances & Overeating

• Excess sugars and starch (grain, rich pasture, alfalfa hay)

• Sudden dietary changes (e.g., breaking into a grain bin, lush spring grass)

• Overworked kidneys are unable to filter toxins effectively

👉 Support tip: Detoxifying herbs for kidney support help horses recover from dietary-related laminitis.

Toxin Exposure & Mechanical Stress

• Certain medications, illnesses, or infections

• Hoof trauma or stress from bearing excess weight due to injury in another limb

How to Feed a Horse Prone to Laminitis

Nutrition plays a central role in preventing laminitis and founder flare-ups.

• ✅ Low-Sugar, High-Fiber Forage: Grass hays like Timothy, Orchard, or Bermuda. Target NSC below 10–12%.

• ✅ Avoid High-Starch Feeds: Eliminate molasses, grain, and sweet feeds. Use Timothy pellets or soaked beet pulp.

• ✅ Limit Grazing: Use a muzzle or restrict grazing during high-sugar times (midday).

Natural Herbal Support for Horses with Laminitis

Supporting circulation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening hoof tissue can improve recovery and prevent relapse.

Laminae Support: A Natural Solution for Hoof Health

This herbal blend contains ingredients known for circulation, detox, and tissue support:

• Boneset – Pain relief and immune support

• Butcher’s Broom – Im

• proves circulation in lower limbs

• Devil’s Claw – Reduces impurities and supports the kidneys

• Garlic – Boosts immune defenses

• Hawthorn – Regulates heart and promotes circulation

• Juniper & Uva Ursi – Natural kidney detoxifiers

• Kelp – Anti-inflammatory, high in iodine

• Marshmallow & Slippery Elm – Soothe tissues and GI tract

• Oregon Grape – Supports liver detoxification

• White Willow Bark & Yucca – Natural anti-inflammatories and pain relief

Managing and Preventing Laminitis Long-Term

Preventing laminitis is all about management and proactive care:

• 🐴 Routine Farrier Care: Maintain proper hoof balance.

• 🐴 Weight & Diet Control: Prevent metabolic stress.

• 🐴 Gentle Exercise: Encourages circulation to the hooves.

• 🐴 Herbal Support: Long-term hoof and metabolic health with targeted blends.

By combining dietary management, farrier care, and natural support for laminitis, horse owners can give their equine partners the best chance to remain sound and thriving.

FAQs About Laminitis and Founder

What’s the difference between laminitis and founder?
Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae; founder refers to the structural damage (rotation/sinking of the coffin bone) that can follow.

Can a horse recover from laminitis?
Yes—early intervention, diet changes, and hoof support increase recovery chances. Chronic founder cases require long-term management.

What should a laminitic horse not eat?
Avoid high-starch feeds, molasses, grain, and lush pasture grass with high sugar levels.