What Causes Foundering in Horses (Laminitis)?
By Linzi Oliver 19-11-2025
Foundering, or laminitis, is one of the most serious and feared conditions among horse owners. It involves inflammation of the laminae, the sensitive, leaf-like tissues inside the hoof that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When these laminae become inflamed, they can no longer support the coffin bone, causing it to rotate or sink.
This leads to severe pain and lameness, especially in the front hooves. If untreated, the condition can quickly worsen, causing permanent damage ...