Hoof Triage Toolkit
Use this free Hoof Triage Toolkit to triage injuries, plan first aid, estimate hoof growth, and get shoeing guidance. Built for horse owners and farriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Quick Triage and what do the severity colors mean?
Choose the visible issue, tick any pain indicators, and set bleeding status. The tool scores severity: Green = monitor, Yellow = call today/limit work, Red = urgent first aid and contact your veterinarian.
The action plan area looks empty—what should I do?
Select an issue (e.g., Shallow cut or Swelling with heat) and click Get action plan. The result card only appears after you generate a plan.
What does Copy plan and Print plan do?
Copy plan places the step‑by‑step guidance on your clipboard to paste into notes or a text to your vet. Print plan opens a clean page with just the plan so you can print or save as PDF.
Does the tool save my information?
Yes—only on your device. Supply checklist choices are saved to your browser’s local storage so they’re there next time. No cloud account or personal data is stored.
What belongs in the ‘Supplies to have on hand’ list?
Non‑stick pads, gauze, cohesive bandage, bell boots or hoof boot, saline/water, antiseptic scrub, scissors, and a thermometer. Check off what you already have; the list persists locally.
How do I use the Farrier Shoeing Helper?
Pick the injury pattern (e.g., Deep laceration or tissue loss). The helper suggests unloading/protective options (clips, glue‑ons, bar/egg‑bar, early breakover) and links to deeper articles for you and your farrier.
How does the Hoof Growth Timeline calculator work?
Enter injury date, coronet‑to‑ground distance (cm), and an estimated growth rate (mm/month). The tool projects 25%, 50%, 75%, and full grow‑out dates based on front/hind selection.
What growth rate should I enter?
Use 6–10 mm/month for most horses. Front feet often appear slower due to leverage and wear. Winter, poor nutrition, or illness can slow growth; summer and good nutrition can speed it up.
When should I call the veterinarian immediately?
Call now for deep lacerations, heavy bleeding, foul discharge, a bounding digital pulse with lameness, visible tissue loss at the coronet, or fever/marked swelling. The tool will flag these as Urgent.
Can I ride while a coronary band injury is healing?
Follow the plan severity. Green: light work if sound and protected. Yellow: hand‑walk only until re‑check. Red: stall or small pen rest until your vet/farrier clears movement.
What’s the safest way to bandage the coronet area?
Rinse gently, pat dry, place a non‑stick pad over the coronary band, and wrap lightly around the pastern—never constrict the coronet. Cover with a bell/hoof boot to keep it clean and change if wet.
Does the toolkit work on mobile and offline?
Yes. It’s mobile‑friendly, and after the first load most features run client‑side. Add it to your home screen for quick access at the barn.