Back of hooves are white??

[kellyb]

Hi, Our horse has developed what looks like a thick white layer over the back of his hooves. If you press it it feels slightly spongy. It is not on the bottom of his hooves, only the back. I am assuming it is due to the horrible muddy conditions although his companion does not have it (companion is a hearty little New Forest which might explain it). Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

 

[KrujaaLass]

You are probably right. My horse had it one year in the snow

 

[Andalucian]

It's normal, what you describe is the periople, the equine equivalent of the human cuticle. When excessively wet it becomes white.

 

[kellyb]

Ahh thank you so much- we were getting quite worried and could find no information about it.