01/06/2026
Equine thrush
What is it?
Equine thrush is a bacterial and fungal infection that affects the frog of the hoof. It often presents as a black, foul-smelling discharge, as shown in Picture 1. However, it can also appear as a soft, mushy degeneration of the frog, as seen in Picture 2.
Thrush can also affect the central sulcus (the groove running down the middle of the frog), as shown in Picture 3. This is commonly referred to as deep thrush.
While thrush may seem like a minor issue at first, if left untreated it can pe*****te deeper into the hoof and reach the sensitive corium, leading to more serious infection and significant discomfort for the horse. Deep thrush, in particular, can be very painful, which is why early intervention—and even better, prevention—is so important.
What causes thrush?
Thrush is most commonly seen in horses living in wet, muddy, or unhygienic conditions where bacteria and fungi thrive. While thrush itself is not contagious, it is often found in multiple horses living in the same environment.
So, especially here in Tassie, how can we prevent it?
✔️ Keep paddocks, yards, and shelters as clean as possible and remove manure regularly.
✔️ Pick out hooves daily. Thrush-causing organisms dislike oxygen, so exposing the frog to fresh air regularly can make a big difference.
✔️ Provide areas of varied terrain such as gravel, rock, or shavings where horses can stand out of the mud.
✔️ Consider incorporating a daily hoof cleansing product into your routine. (Personally I am currently using diluted iodine in a spray bottle).
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available for thrush and many great products available on the market. We stock an all-natural clay-based product called EquiMud, which helps draw out moisture while providing antibacterial properties. It is also available in a fibre form, EquiFibre, which can be packed into the central sulcus and other cavities to help keep the product in contact with the affected area for longer.
Hoof soaks can also be beneficial and some persistent cases may benefit from a poultice, hoof boots or other forms of hoof cover to hold product in and keep it clean and dry. Over the years I've heard of lots of home remedies being used for thrush—apple cider vinegar, iodine, bleach, formalin, and many others. Some people also use copper sulphate; however, I personally prefer not to, as I find it can be quite harsh on the softer tissues of the frog.
Having your hoof care provider carefully remove loose, dead flaps of frog can also be helpful, as it removes infected tissue, increases oxygen exposure, and allows treatment products to pe*****te deeper into the affected areas.
As always, if you're unsure whether you're dealing with thrush or another hoof issue, don't hesitate to reach out to your hoof care professional for advice.
What products or management strategies have worked best for you? 👇
