What is Flare?
Flare derives from excess hoof wall that has not been worn off naturally or removed during the trim manually. If excess hoof wall is routinely left on the foot, the wall begins to migrate outwards due to ground pressure on the wall. Flare is very commonly seen at the quarters and the toes and give the foot a dished shape. Flare can also present itself in the heels where toes and the heels have routinely been left too long, so the heel flares forward with the toe as do the bars. When the entire hoof is flared forward, the bars appear overlaid and curvy as opposed to near straight or vertical underneath. Often when flare has been present for some time, chips and cracks can be seen at the toes and quarters. Flare is painful for the horse, especially on hard or rocky terrain. Flare or wall separation can also be a result of a laminitic or founder attack which occurs at the coronet band and causes the entire hoof to grow out in a flare.
