How to Shoe the Navicular Horse

Navicular syndrome is one of the most common causes of intermittent lameness in horses. It is often seen in the forefeet of horses who perform highly concussive tasks like roping or cutting. Characteristics of a horse with navicular disease include a stiff and stilted gait, pointing of the affected foot while at rest (though navicular syndrome often affects both feet at the same time), and excess wear on the front of the hoof or shoe. Horses with small or narrow hooves are more likely to experience symptoms of navicular syndrome.

Things You'll Need

  • Farrier tools
  • Silicone rubber
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your horse's hooves are properly trimmed. Have your farrier shorten the toe and elevate the heel two to four degrees. This will relieve the pressure on the navicular bone and relieve tension on the deep digital flexor tendon.

    • 2

      Reduce the likelihood of concussion by applying full pads and packing the sole with 100 percent silicone. Pads come in different thicknesses, and can be either flat or wedged to achieve a specific therapeutic result. Packing the sole helps to alleviate bruising and other concussion that aggravates the sole.

    • 3

      Add extra support to the heel by applying a bar shoe. Bar shoes form a complete circle rather than the traditional "U" shaped shoe, allowing for extra support beneath the heel.

    • 4

      Pursue other methods of treatment if shoeing isn't sufficient. Anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone (bute) are often used to alleviate navicular pain, and surgery can be an option for horses with chronic lameness due to navicular syndrome.