FROG & SOLE SHEDDING IN HORSES

HELP, MY HORSE’S FROG IS FALLING OFF

Is This Normal Frog Shedding or Thrush?

Every spring and autumn, horse owners across Australia search the same worried question.

“My horse’s frog is falling off. Is this normal or is it thrush?”

In many cases, the answer is no, it isn’t thrush. What you are often seeing is normal seasonal frog and sole shedding in horses, a natural process that helps the hoof adapt to changes in moisture, footing and environment.

While frog shedding can look dramatic, it is frequently misunderstood and mistaken for disease when it is actually part of normal hoof function.

Is frog shedding normal in horses?

Yes. Frog shedding is normal in many horses, particularly during seasonal changes.

The frog and sole are not static structures. They are living parts of the hoof that grow, compress, adapt and renew over time. As conditions change, older surface layers are naturally replaced by new material underneath.

This process is known as frog and sole shedding and commonly occurs during Autumn and Spring so when conditions change from dry to wet and wet to dry.

What frog and sole shedding actually looks like

As new hoof material forms underneath, older surface layers gradually lose their attachment and lift away. This may look like peeling or lifting edges, flaking material or sections of frog coming loose.

Underneath, the newly exposed surface is often firmer, cleaner and better suited to current conditions.

From a hoof care perspective, this is a normal renewal process. The frog plays an important role in weight bearing, circulation and sensory feedback, which means it responds quickly to changes in moisture, workload and footing.

Why frog shedding happens seasonally

Frog and sole shedding most commonly occurs during environmental transitions, particularly during dry to wet conditions in autumn and wet to dry conditions in spring.

Moisture has a direct effect on hoof material. Extended wet conditions soften the outer layers of the frog and sole, while drier periods encourage compression and thickening. When conditions shift, tissue that previously provided protection may no longer be appropriate and is naturally shed.

In parts of Australia that experience prolonged wet seasons, shedding material can sometimes remain attached for longer than ideal. While this is still part of a normal process, retained shedding can trap moisture, manure and debris against newly forming structures underneath.

"Shedding is often the hoof adapting, not deteriorating"

Frog shedding versus thrush
How to tell the difference?

This is where many owners become unsure.

Thrush is a hoof problem associated with prolonged moisture, poor hygiene and the presence of unwanted bacteria and fungi. It commonly affects the frog, collateral grooves and central sulcus.

Thrush tissue may appear soft and degraded and often looks black or grey when picked. In more advanced cases, thrush can lead to tissue sensitivity and sometimes lameness.

Although thrush is often associated with a strong odour, smell is usually a later sign. In many cases, tissue breakdown is visible well before odour becomes noticeable.

Normal frog shedding looks different. Shedding tissue is usually firmer, lifts away cleanly and is not painful. Healthy, fresh material is visible underneath and the horse remains comfortable.

Supporting frog health during seasonal change

One of the most common mistakes during frog shedding is over intervention.

Excessive trimming, digging or repeated use of harsh chemical products can damage newly exposed areas and interfere with the natural renewal process of the hoof.

A supportive approach is often more effective, particularly during seasonal change. This includes regular cleaning to remove loose debris, allowing hooves to dry between wet exposures and maintaining clean paddock and stable conditions.

A visit from your farrier will also ensure any loose tissue and sole ready to shed can be removed, they should also advise you of a management plan if any issues are found.

When additional hygiene support is needed, many hoof care professionals prefer natural, cosmetic grade hoof care products during shedding periods. Gentler formulations can help maintain cleanliness and balance without overwhelming sensitive frog areas.

When to look closer

While frog shedding is often normal, further assessment by your veterinarian would be warranted if the frog is painful, bleeding, swollen, inflamed or associated with ongoing lameness.  

A normal process, not a crisis

Seasonal frog and sole shedding is a normal part of hoof function, particularly in climates where moisture and footing change throughout the year. While it can look alarming, it is often a sign of adaptation rather than failure.

By understanding the difference between normal frog shedding and thrush, horse owners can manage seasonal hoof changes with confidence and support healthier hooves over time.

    

Hoof Trim Before, during and after shedding Frog and Sole removed from a horses hoof.

Written by Julie Wright, Dip. EPT, Cert. EMT.  Founder THE HOOF CO
Hoof care professional working with and assisting owners with horses across Australia.