Red Bruise - close to the point of frog

Sole Bruising will affect almost every horse at some point in time.  A bruise is red in color, and can be seen best along the surface of a freshly trimmed sole.  Commonly caused by a concussive, or direct external trauma to the sole; lameness may, or may not be present as the bruise develops.  Some further develop into an abscess, while others will not.  Bruising is often a result of inadequate sole thickness.  A thick sole is required to protect the fragile coffin bone.  Some horse breeds (like the Thoroughbred Horse) commonly have thin soles and thin hoof walls; predisposing them to sole bruising.

Some hoof diseases like Laminitis and Founder can produce large amounts of hoof bruising.  Other horses develop bruises by stepping on sharp objects like, a rock in the pasture or, the clip on a horseshoe.   In the winter, when the ground becomes hard and frozen, horses can bruise their sole and become “tender-footed”.  Barefoot and Shod horses ridden frequently on hard, un-forgiving, abrasive surfaces may become foot sore; developing bruises until a horseshoe, boot, pad, or cast is applied for protection.  Repetitive sole bruising can result in a degeneration of the coffin bone.  Hoof Testers when used by a skilled farrier or, veterinarian can help locate a bruise not seen from the bottom of the hoof.