Club Foot in the Adult Horse

It’s not uncommon for horses to have slightly mismatched feet, and in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. However, when the difference becomes significant, you may be dealing with a condition known as a club foot.

Take the self-assessment quiz at the end of this article to test your knowledge.

Definition

A club foot is caused by a deformity in the deep digital flexor tendon and its associated structures. In this condition, the tendon, its muscle, and the check ligament are too short. Since the deep flexor tendon attaches to the coffin bone, its role is to pull the bone and tip the foot forward onto the toe. When the system is too short, it constantly pulls on the coffin bone, causing the horse to bear more weight on the toe. This shift in weight slows hoof growth in the toe area, making the heel appear to grow faster—though in reality, the growth pattern is just uneven.

Technically, a club foot is classified as a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), also known as the coffin joint. This results in hyperflexion of the joint—meaning it bends more than it should. As the severity of the deformity increases, the degree of hyperflexion worsens, and this can lead to lameness or discomfort for the horse.

Classification

Traditionally, club feet were categorized into just two types: Type 1 and Type 2. But in the past 15 years, a more detailed grading system has gained popularity. This system breaks club feet down into Grades 1 through 4, based on specific physical landmarks and pathological changes.

• Grade 1: A mild form with a 3 to 5-degree difference in angle between the clubbed and non-clubbed foot. The clubbed foot has a steeper angle and may show a slight bulge in the front part of the coronary band. X-rays (radiographs) may or may not reveal a broken forward axis.

  

  Grade 1 Club Foot

  
  

• Grade 2: The angle difference increases to 5 to 8 degrees. Growth rings on the hoof are wider at the heel than at the toe, and radiographs will usually show a slight broken forward axis.

  

  Grade 2 Club Foot

  
  

• Grade 3: The hoof starts to show a flare at the toe, and growth rings become twice as wide at the heel as at the toe. The sole may appear prolapsed (dropped), often with bruising if the horse is barefoot. X-rays will show a broken forward axis and a bony “lip” forming on the front of the coffin bone—evidence that the bone is remodeling under stress.

Grade 3 Club Foot

• Grade 4: The most severe form. The dorsal hoof wall reaches an angle of 80 degrees or more. The flare is extreme, and the hoof wall—especially at the toe—loses structural integrity and can no longer support the horse’s weight effectively. The sole is severely prolapsed. From the side view, the coronary band appears level with the ground rather than sloping toward the heels. When the coronary band is visibly higher at the heel than at the toe, and growth rings are more than twice as wide at the heel, it indicates significant damage to the coffin bone.

Grade 4 Club Foot

As the grade of club foot increases, the horse places more pressure on the toe. This leads to decreased sole growth, increased bruising, and shortened strides—ultimately impacting the horse’s performance and soundness.

It’s rare to find a performance horse with a Grade 3 or 4 club foot, as these levels of severity typically compromise the horse’s ability to perform.

Treatment and Prognosis

Correction is most successful before the horse turns one year old, often through surgical intervention. Whether surgery is a viable option depends on the individual case, and a veterinarian should be consulted to determine if the horse is a candidate.

Self Assessment Quiz: Club Foot in the Adult Horse

Section 1: Multiple Choice

1. What structure attaches to the coffin bone and contributes to the development of a club foot when too short?

a. Superficial digital flexor tendon

b. Deep digital flexor tendon

c. Suspensory ligament

d. Extensor tendon

2. Which grade of club foot shows a dorsal hoof wall angle of 80 degrees or more?

a. Grade 1

b. Grade 2

c. Grade 3

d. Grade 4

3. Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of a Grade 3 club foot?

a. Slight bulge at the coronary band

b. Flared toe

c. Prolapsed sole

d. Bruising if barefoot

4. As the severity of a club foot increases, the horse will:

a. Take longer strides

b. Shift weight toward the heel

c. Show increased sole bruising

d. Become more sound

5. The term “broken forward axis” refers to:

a. The angle of the hock in a flexed leg

b. A rotation of the cannon bone

c. Misalignment between the pastern and hoof angles

d. The tilt of the fetlock joint

Section 2: True or False

1. Club foot is a flexural deformity of the fetlock joint.

2. A Grade 2 club foot has growth rings wider at the toe than at the heel.

3. It is common for performance horses to have Grade 3 or 4 club feet.

4. A horse with slightly mismatched feet always has a club foot.

5. The coronary band on a Grade 4 club foot appears level with the ground when viewed from the side.

Section 3: Short Answer

1. What causes the heel of a club foot to appear to grow faster than the toe?

2. Describe the physical difference between a Grade 1 and a Grade 4 club foot.

3. What structural change may appear on the coffin bone in a Grade 3 club foot?

FAQ: Club Foot in Adult Horses

How can I tell if my horse has club foot?

Signs of club foot include an unusually steep hoof angle, upright pastern, a more prominent heel, and a tendency to land toe-first. You might also notice uneven shoulder muscling or a choppier stride on the affected leg. Visual grading by a vet or farrier is the most reliable way to confirm and assess severity.

Is it possible for club foot to develop later in life?

Yes. Although many assume club foot is only congenital, it can develop or worsen in adult horses due to pain compensation, improper trimming, or disuse of a limb. Horses recovering from injury or those experiencing chronic soreness often shift their weight in a way that contributes to contracture and an altered hoof angle over time.

Can club foot in horses be corrected?

In many cases, yes. Early and consistent intervention by a qualified farrier and veterinarian can often manage or reduce the effects of club foot, particularly when the condition is mild to moderate. Techniques include:

• Gradual, corrective trimming to improve balance

• Therapeutic shoeing with toe extensions or wedge pads

• Strengthening exercises and controlled turnout

• Physical therapy and bodywork for associated muscular compensation

In severe or rigid cases, surgical options like inferior check ligament desmotomy may be considered, but these carry risks and should be weighed carefully. The sooner club foot is addressed, the better the chances of improving the horse’s gait, comfort, and long-term soundness.

How does club foot affect a horse’s performance?

Club foot can significantly impact athletic ability and comfort, especially in disciplines requiring fluid, symmetrical movement. Horses with club foot often exhibit:

• Shortened stride on the affected limb

• Uneven hoof wear and concussion

• Increased strain on tendons and joints

• Asymmetry in muscling (especially shoulders)

• Difficulty turning or stopping, depending on the severity

In performance horses, even mild club foot can reduce efficiency and lead to long-term lameness if not properly managed. Horses with moderate to severe club foot may struggle with collected work, jumping, or extended gaits. Some owners may mistake the symptoms for poor training or laziness, when it’s actually mechanical imbalance from the hoof up.

What is the best way to manage club foot in horses?

Long-term management of club foot involves teamwork between your farrier, veterinarian, and trainer. Here’s a strategic approach:

• Routine hoof evaluations: Every 4–6 weeks with a farrier experienced in therapeutic shoeing

• Customized trimming/shoeing plans: Based on hoof growth, conformation, and radiographs

• Bodywork and chiropractic care: To address compensatory issues from uneven posture

• Exercise management: Focused on improving flexibility and promoting symmetrical movement

• Regular monitoring: Documenting changes in gait, balance, or hoof shape

Are there any long-term risks if club foot is left untreated?

Absolutely. Ignoring a club foot can lead to chronic mechanical imbalance and degenerative changes in the hoof and limb, including:

• Coffin joint degeneration

• Deep digital flexor tendon strain or tearing

• Navicular syndrome

• Shoulder or neck stiffness from overcompensation

• Chronic, low-grade lameness

Even mild deformities, if unmanaged, may progress over time, especially if the horse is in regular work or exposed to uneven footing. Long-term neglect often leads to increased vet bills and reduced performance lifespan.