19 Jun, 2025

DEEP HOOF WALL CRACKS in Horses Hooves

Deep Hoof Cracks in Horses: Why You Should Never Just Pack and Pray

Hoof cracks are never a welcome sight, but there is a big difference between a little surface blemish and a deep, structural hoof crack. These are not just cosmetic flaws. They are often signs of serious hoof wall instability, infection, or deeper separation that demands real attention.

Let’s walk you through what causes deep hoof cracks, why they need proper intervention (not backyard hacks), and how you can support recovery the right way with products designed for the job.

What Are Deep Hoof Cracks?

Deep hoof cracks typically run vertically through the hoof wall and may extend all the way from the coronary band to the ground. They often appear in the toe or quarter region and can involve seedy toe, white line disease, separation and harbour a pathogen load - potentially even displaying a discharge, especially if infection is present.

Pictured above. Severe hoof crack allowing pathogens to eat away at the internal hoof wall. This horse had his shoes removed by previous hoof care professional as he "couldn't hold the shoes". Below is what the author uncovered - a huge empty cavity of ongoing infection. This is why you should not pack the hoof with pathogen loving ingredients (honey or cotton that can rot inside the hoof capsule - providing more feed for the microbes).

These are not surface level splits. They are structural issues that compromise the integrity of the hoof capsule and create an open door for pathogen invasion. When infection gets in, it is not a wait and see situation. It is a get your farrier on the phone immediately kind of day.

What Causes Deep Hoof Cracks?

Chronic imbalance or poor trimming
Conformational issues (require constant balancing)
Old abscess tracks that were not properly resolved
Long-standing seedy toe, white line defects or separation
Hoof capsule distortion such as flaring, collapsed heels, or underrun toes
Nutritional deficiencies that weaken hoof structure
Environmental conditions that cause the hoof to swell and shrink repeatedly

Often, a deep crack starts out small then spreads or deepens when left unaddressed or packed with the wrong material.

Pictured above: Hoof Wall separation that has been ignored by previous hoof care professional leading to hoof wall invasion and further cracking. This issue is now a rehabilitation project for the current farrier and owner to continue to monitor with diet, hoof care and topical product application.

Warning: Do Not Stuff It and Hope for the Best

Let’s clear this up right now. 🚫Do not pack deep hoof cracks with cotton, gauze, or honey-based products.🚫

Here is why 👇

Honey contains sugar, and sugar feeds pathogens. Great in formulations for wounds or external hoof applications (such as our Hoof Pack to be used on the Frog and sole) but do not try and pack deep hoof cracks with Honey based products.
Cotton can rot when trapped inside a moist, low oxygen environment, providing even more fuel for bacteria or fungi.
Once packed inside, these materials can be hard to remove.
📢And we'll say this again - DEEP HOOF CRACKS into the white line need TO BE RESECTED by a qualified professional. Anyone who tells you differently, is setting you up for failure, potential abscessing from the coronet band and long term rehabilitation (potentially tears and months of frustration).

If you are thinking of treating a deep hoof crack yourself, think again unless you are extremely confident with hoof tools AND have a thorough (and we mean thorough as in 100's of dissections) understanding of the horses hoof anatomy . These cracks need to be opened up and cleaned ideally by a hoof care professional or farrier with plenty of experience with hoof wall resections. This allows the active pathogens to be immediately removed from within the hoof wall and access for you to adequately apply topical hoof care solutions such as Beeswax Blue Balls®️to keep it sealed, not seedy.

So What Can You Do?

Support the hoof after it has been cleaned and assessed. Once your hoof care professional has done their part, you can assist with topical management and barrier protection.

Hoof Spray

Our Hoof Spray is the first step in managing hoof hygiene. It helps cleanse out debris and flush the area without irritating sensitive tissue. Think of it as your hoof's reset button a thorough cleanse and refresh and non invasive prep before applying any sealing products.

Beeswax Blue Balls®️

Perfect for packing once a crack has been opened and cleaned. Simply smear a thin layer up around the top of the resection. The beeswax base repels moisture and stays put in tough environments. They are ideal for supporting white line and hoof wall defects once the area is clear of the majority of the infection and monitored by your hoof care provider.

Beeswax Pink Balls

These are made with mild essential oils and cosmetic grade clay, zinc and minerals. offering a gentle hoof care option for those deeper infections that may be closer to soft tissue. If you prefer clays and minerals without sugars, these little pink beauties are the go.

Beeswax Pure Balls

Clean hoof barrier support with a gentle touch. Infused with light peppermint and cinnamon scent, these are ideal for more sensitive areas such as old abscess holes growing down the hoof wall. They offer the same beeswax tackiness you know and love and are perfect for hooves needing a more subtle hoof care option (also great for packing out old nail holes in the hooves).

Pictured above: Deep wall white line disease resected by Farrier. Veterinary intervention is highly recommended for radiographs prior to resection. This means a team approach with the best outcome likely for the horse. Photo courtesy Vetty Bailey Equihoof Biomechanix

Pictured above: This resection is extremely close to soft tissue. Radiographs showed depth of infection prior to resection. Farrier involved wisely chose Beeswax Pink Balls for this application (to be sealed under hoof cast for stability to the capsule). Photo courtesy Vetty Bailey Professional Farrier Equihoof Biomechanix

The Bottom Line

If you are seeing a deep hoof crack, it is time to stop, assess, and call your farrier. Do not pack it with home remedies or sugar based products. These cracks are a red flag that something is brewing beneath the surface. Unless it is cleaned and opened properly, you are just sealing in the problem. The solutions we recommend whilst you are waiting is using Hoof Mate soaking tablets or Hoof Spray. Both are liquids and can ensure they reach the top of any voids inside the hoof wall to loosen and combat environmental debris.

Once cleared, you can support the area with Hoof Spray for cleansing and Beeswax Balls to maintain a barrier against further invasion. But nothing replaces skilled, hands-on hoof care when things go deep - so ensure your farrier is on the way and consider radiographs if you suspect a deep infection.

Need Help?

Not sure what kind of crack you are looking at? Send us a photo or message. We will do our best to assist you. We love taking a look up your crack 😎 Hoof care is a journey, and we are here to walk it with you.

Julie Wright - Cert.EMT, Dip.EPT The Hoof Co