Follow your vet’s plan exactly: strict rest on deep, soft footing, a low-sugar forage diet, corrective farriery, and pain relief as prescribed. Reintroduce movement only when advised, and manage weight to prevent recurrence.
Rest on soft footing
In recovery, the damaged laminae need time and support to heal. Keep the horse on deep, soft bedding or a soft surface that cushions the feet, and follow your vet’s advice on box rest. Do not force a laminitic horse to walk on hard ground.
Strict diet control
Diet caused most cases, so it is central to recovery. Feed low-sugar forage, soak hay, and slow intake with a slow feeder. Cut out cereals and rich grass entirely until your vet says otherwise, and use a low-calorie balancer to keep nutrients up.
Corrective farriery
Careful, corrective trimming and, where needed, supportive shoeing or pads help realign the foot and ease the pain. Work closely with your farrier and vet together, as good foot support is one of the most important parts of laminitis recovery.
Protect and support the feet
Your vet may advise foot support such as pads or hoof boots to cushion the sole and make the horse more comfortable. Keep the feet clean and dry, and check them daily for heat and a bounding pulse that would signal a flare.
Prevent it happening again
Once recovered, the risk of recurrence is real, so keep the horse lean, control grazing and sugar for life, and test for underlying conditions like EMS or Cushing’s. Careful ongoing management is what keeps a recovered laminitic horse sound.
