Although common and typically easily treated, a sole abcess is VERY painful and can become a larger problem without treatment. Horses with sole abcesses are unwilling to walk and will often walk on three legs rather than bearing weight on an abcessed hoof.

Donkey leg and foot conformation is the complete opposite of a horse. Donkeys are supposed to be trimmed upright with long heels, whereas horses are lower in the heel and slope down with their pastern angle. Picture: A donkey with incorrect hoof angles.