Identifying and Managing Quarter Cracks

A horse that is at risk of developing a Quarter Crack may have one of the following characteristics:

• Long toes
• Heels that lack angles
• Crooked coronary band or hairline
• Strikes one part of the foot repeatedly
• Feet are not flat on the ground
• Predisposed to condition because of genetic features such as carpus valgus or varus

Signs that a horse may have a Quarter Crack:

• Vertical crack from the ground-up at the widest part of the hoof wall
• A crack is bleeding at the hairline
• The horse appears lame
• Crooked coronary band or hairline 

Managing Quarter Cracks to recovery:

• Identify the cause of the crack(s) with a hoof care professional
• Limit activity level (riding and exercise)
• Trim hooves so the feet are balanced and weight is distributed evenly to reduce stress on the crack
• Have a farrier or veterinarian clean and treat the crack to heal
• If appropriate, have a farrier apply adhesive to cover the crack

How farriers prevent Quarter Cracks:

• Trim the horse’s hooves consistently
• Apply pour-in pads to provide support
• Utilize pour-in pads to distribute a horse’s weight evenly across the entire hoof bottom