The biodeteriorative condition commonly known as white line disease (WLD) tends to be most prevalent in parts of the world where warm humid conditions prevail e.g.USA, Japan. However, during the last decade, the UK has experienced warmer and significantly wetter summers that have led to a significant increase in the incidences of the disease amongst the British equine community. Although a variety of factors (e.g. environmental, nutritional, microbial, mechanical (see Woodall, 2002 for review)) have been implicated in the onset of the condition, scientists are still a long way from understanding the aetiology of the disease. There can be no doubt that microbial species play a large part in the biodeteriorative aspects of the disease. However, in order for microbes to gain access to and to colonise the internal structures of the hoof capsule, sites of entry must first be made available. This report looks at the role of nutritional factors and farriery regimens as the providers of such entry sites.