Yes.
An abscess is not contagious.
Yes, the horse will suffer a severe and horrible death.
If it is making the horse lame, than it is probably a big deal (ps CALL THE VET!) if not, dont worry about it and yes it can be called an abscess.
It could be a hoof abscess, or another type of injury, or laminitis. Lameness can be serious...have a vet look at the horse.
Abscesses impede the horse's ability to walk normally. Abscesses are very painful, so horses will limp and will not run when they are in pain. However if the horse is given bute (a pain killer), the horse won't limp as much.
Horse Show at Long Branch - 1912 was released on: USA: 14 August 1912
This usually a job for a qualified veterinarian. The sole may have to be opened to drain the abscess and then bandaged to prevent reinfection until it heals. Some folks make a poultice for the foot the help draw out and heal the abscess. There are commercial preparation and poultice boots available at most tack stores.
Generally, horses don't get diseases per-say from overworking in their hooves if they are ridden in a safe environment. It is possible though that their feet may develop an abscess, which is like a bruise on the foot. Their feet may also crack or split from overworking.
The first national show horse was born in 1981.
Horses are like most mammals (humans, too) and the unborn develop in a uterus.
The 1973 Wood Memorial, a tune up race for the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat was not himself, and finshed third. Sham, however, did not win the race, but lost to another Lucien Lauren trained horse, Angle Light. Sham was second. After the race, it was found Secretariat was suffering from an abscess in his mouth, causing him to not grab the bit in his teeth and take flight. The abscess was treated and he was sound for the Derby, the rest is horse racing history.
No Secretariat was a Thoroughbred. A much older breed that help to develop the quarter horse.