Locate an area with good footing

Very deep bedding (eight inches or more) will pack up into the underside of a laminitic horse’s hooves, providing cushioning that will help keep him more comfortable. If a stall is available close by, enlist a friend to start bedding it as deeply as possible with shavings.

Sand is a good footing for horses with laminitis, but you’ll need lots of it, as well as a method of keeping it out of the horse’s hay. If you won’t be able to put the horse on deep bedding, tape thick Styrofoam blocks to the bottom of each of his hooves to provide support. The sooner you can start making these arrangements, the sooner your horse will get some relief. Also, locate electrical outlets and extension cords that your veterinarian can use if she needs to take xrays.