Founder, also known as advanced laminitis, is one of the most devastating hoof conditions a horse can face. It doesn’t just cause temporary lameness—it can permanently change the structure of the hoof and impact a horse’s quality of life.In this video, we take a deep dive into what founder really is, how it develops from laminitis, and what’s happening inside the hoof when the laminae begin to fail. Understanding this process is critical, because once the coffin bone begins to rotate or sink, the focus shifts from prevention to lifelong management.We’ll walk through the most common signs and symptoms of founder, including subtle early warning signs that are often missed. Catching laminitis early can make the difference between a full recovery and long-term damage.You’ll also learn about the biggest risk factors, including diet, sugar intake, pasture management, and metabolic conditions like equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and Cushing’s disease (PPID). These underlying issues are some of the leading causes of laminitis and founder in modern horses.Most importantly, we cover proven prevention strategies—from nutrition and weight management to exercise and monitoring—and explain why prevention is always easier than treatment.Finally, we break down how founder is treated, including the critical role of your veterinarian and farrier, pain management, hoof support, and long-term care plans. While severe cases can be life-changing, many horses can still live comfortable, happy lives with the right support system in place.If you own, ride, or care for horses, this is essential knowledge that could help you recognize a problem early—and potentially save your horse from a lifetime of pain.⏱️ Chapters: