Horses with high ringbone will develop a body buildup around the pastern joint that might be evident as a swelling above the hoof line. | Photo: Erica Larson/The Horse

How veterinarians and farriers manage this degenerative arthritic condition

We’ve all been there: We wake up on our day off, which also happens to be the first day we’ve seen the sun in a week. Excitedly, we head out to the barn to tack up for a ride and, instead, find our horse favoring a foot.

Let’s say in this instance, upon closer examination, we notice heat and swelling just above the hoof or, perhaps, even a bony lump. What’s the next step—call the farrier, or call the veterinarian?

The answer is both. As it turns out, veterinarian, farrier, and owner form the optimal team to determine a treatment plan for hoof-associated issues, especially if your horse’s clinical signs lead to a ringbone