Retracted Soles in Horses

What Are Retracted Soles in Horses

Retracted soles in horses occur when the sole appears unnaturally concave, often seeming to be drawn up into the hoof. Unlike healthy concavity that reflects a thick strong sole, retracted soles signal stress, thinning, and discomfort in the hoof capsule.

This guide will help horse owners and hoof care professionals understand the signs, causes, and management of retracted soles using trusted products from The Hoof Co, boot support and changing moisture management for the horse.

How to Identify Retracted Soles in Horses

The most common sign is exaggerated concavity under the hoof that mirrors the shape of the coffin bone. This can cause confusion for the untrained eye, perhaps this mirrors a sole crack normal when the sole is ready to shed or excess callous formation. However, in retracted soles, the structure is weakened and the appearance of a raised callous is not protective, its a sign of trouble.

Watch for signs like

• Deeper than usual concavity in the dorsal part of the hoof only

• Tenderness on hard ground

• Pain response with hoof testers

What Causes Retracted Soles in Horses

Retracted soles are usually the result of one or more of the following:

1. Wet Weather Conditions
Extended exposure to moisture softens and weakens the sole, particularly in horses with already thin soles.

2. Poor Hoof Balance or Thin Soles
Horses lacking ideal hoof form or thickness are more prone to structural stress, which can cause the sole to retract upward into the internal hoof structures.

3. Compensatory Hoof Response
The hoof may pull the sole upward in a protective effort to reduce impact trauma in compromised conditions.

Common Mistakes and Misdiagnoses

Retracted soles are frequently mistaken for

• Abscesses due to sole tenderness without resolution

• Laminitis when the horse appears stiff or sensitive on hard surfaces

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective resolution and management and requires and experienced hoof care professional to help guide you through the rehabilitation.

Pictured above:  A hoof suffering nutritional and environmental damage.  Retracted soles uncovered at trim appointment by Hoof Care Professional.  Whilst the hoof distortion is tempting to rectify, at this stage, minor adjustments for comfort at the back of the hoof should be the priority.  (ie: heel balance, overlaid bar adjustment and central sulcus of the frog investigated for Thrush).  Provide comfort and relief.

Hoof Trimming Adjustments

If retracted soles are present, hoof care providers should

• Avoid trimming the sole or supportive structures of the hoof (frogs/heels) unless absolutely necessary to adjust hoof balance for comfort.

• Leave additional hoof wall for raised structural support. 

• Preserve the callous like appearance - this is sole we need to keep!

• Maintain frog health and integrity for weight bearing support.

Daily cleaning, monitoring and application of natural hoof solutions are critical for recovery.

Hoof Comfort and Protection Tips

To relieve discomfort and prevent further stress, consider:

• Changing environment - a dry area and reducing moisture will speed recovery.
• Daily hoof hygiene - Cleanse , dry and pack.  Thrush prevention clay and drying powder.
• Consider Hoof Boots with pads for hoof support.

Picture above:  1 week in and the retraction is subsiding.  Managed with The Hoof Co products and Hoof Boots with pads for support. Note the slight crack in the sole of the hoof (1 week under management photo) which is the retraction line. 

Pictured above: It gets ugly during the rehabilitation stage.  Know that you are working with comfort in the back of the hoof for now and slight adjustments often to the balance will be the key. 

Managing Retracted Soles - reducing moisture in the sole of the hoof and frog.

Moisture control and support are vital. The Hoof Co products are formulated with natural, cosmetic grade ingredients - chosen specifically for their role in hoof health and rehabilitation.  Combine with hoof boots with pads for support (and use the Hoof Powder inside of the boots for deodorising and absorbing the moisture emitted from the hoof.  Deep padded dry stable bedding may also suffice.  Abrasive surfaces such as sand or gravel yards should be avoided unless the horse is wearing hoof boots for protection.

THE HOOF CO - Hoof Pack
To cover the frog and sole.  Absorbent Hoof Clay, maintains  frog, sole and collateral groove health.

THE HOOF CO - Hoof Powder
Absorbent - helps keep the hooves free from moisture build up.

THE HOOF CO - Hoof Spray
Cleanse all the crevices of the hoof.  Deodorise and protect.

THE HOOF CO - Smelly Crack Pack - bundle and save with the above 3 products.

The above can be integrated into your horse’s daily hoof care routine with ease.

Recommended product
Hoof Boots - ideal for hoof support and protection

Pictured above:  We love the Easyboot Clouds with changeable padding.  Pro tip - have 2 sets of pads so you can switch them out daily.  Sprinkle with Hoof Powder prior to reapplying into the boots.

Conclusion: Take Action Early

Retracted soles in horses are a warning sign not to ignore. By identifying symptoms early and adjusting care, you can help your horse recover faster and maintain healthy hooves year round.

Use hoof support products, professional trimming strategies (go slowly with adjustments weekly), and moisture management to get your horse back on track.

About the author:  Julie Wright is a Certified Hoof Care Professional (Dip.Ept, Cert.EMT) and has been working with hooves for over 2 decades.  An obsession for hoof defects and hoof rehabilitation led her to develop The Hoof Co Hoof Care range for managing horses hooves.

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