Hollow hoof walls

Hello! It is good that you and your farrier have spotted the hollow walls that have developed.

What has happened is that the horn laminae (the innermost layer of the wall) have been attacked, at one part of the hoof capsule, by micro-organisms (fungi or bacteria) that occur naturally in the ground. These organisms thrive in low-oxygen conditions and break down the laminar horn, sometimes into a black smear, sometimes more like a white crumble. When the hoof is out of balance, the structure of the laminar margin weakens and the organisms take hold more easily. You cannot tell from the outside how small or large the hollow wall is. Lameness almost never occurs, but the defect can reduce the mechanical strength of the hoof capsule, which in turn can affect the shape of the hoof.

Because your horse is flat-soled with low heels, the load on the sole increases if the load-bearing function of the wall fails. So yes, your horse would benefit from shoes now, fitted to improve hoof balance. Lifting the sole off the ground and making him more comfortable will help his way of going and how he loads the hoof. A hollow wall needs to be trimmed back fully, oxygen is the medicine! The farrier will need to return at least every three weeks for a good while, to trim and scrape away the top edge of the defect while the hoof wall is given the chance to grow down. Further measures, such as a ring shoe for stability, may also be needed.

Good luck!