One shudders to think how many horses in recent years have been put down for being ‘navicular’. Trimming to the wild horse shape is found to easily relieve what many believe is an “incurable condition”. This has been proven time and time again.
As we already mentioned, if your horse’s heels are under-run, their landing is too far forward. The pressure on the navicular bone is brought directly underneath it, rather than behind it. The problem is completely mechanical.
Navicular points to an inflammation of the impar ligament that holds the bone in place. The pain causes the horse to wear away the bone. This is serious. But over wearing of the navicular bone is not a sign of disease. It’s a sign of incorrect hoof shape.
Barefoot virtuoso, Pete Ramey says this…
“It is a simple fact that I have never seen a “navicular horse” fail to be completely healed under my care.”
As he then points out, you can attack the problem with regular trimming and observation. So follow the methods in this book. It will restore health to your horse’s heels, bringing them back into place.
As you back up the toe and shorten the heel, your horse will slowly land heel first with greater consistency. With that, the pain should disappear.
It’s a crying shame. Many of today’s ‘navicular horses’ will still endure a lifetime of painkillers, until inevitably, the pain becomes too much. Once again, we can learn from the wild where navicular pain is virtually unknown.
And now onto Colton.
Let’s Talk About Navicular in Horses
“Alright, let’s chat about navicular—specifically, what it is and why it can be such a pain for our horses. If you’ve heard the term tossed around but aren’t totally sure what it means, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a condition that affects a horse’s front feet, particularly the navicular bone, which is located just above the coffin bone in the hoof. The bone is responsible for helping with movement, so when things go wrong, it can lead to lameness and discomfort.”
“So, what happens when a horse develops navicular issues? Essentially, the bone becomes inflamed or damaged, often due to repetitive stress, poor conformation, or improper trimming. Horses with navicular problems tend to show signs of lameness, especially when trotting or turning. The lameness might be subtle at first, but it can become more pronounced over time if not addressed. You may notice your horse landing toe-first or being unwilling to put weight on their front hooves.”
“Now, dealing with navicular can be tricky. It’s not a quick fix, but the good news is that with early intervention, many horses can live comfortable, active lives. Treatment options range from anti-inflammatory medications, corrective shoeing, or even changes in workload and rest. Some horses benefit from special shoes that help relieve pressure on the navicular bone, or even a well-planned hoof care routine to make sure the hooves are balanced and aligned.”
“If you think your horse might be showing signs of navicular, don’t wait! A visit to the vet or farrier is essential. Catching it early can make a world of difference in how your horse moves and feels. So, remember—navicular is a real issue, but with the right care, your horse can still be happy and healthy! Colton”
Next up
What are the early signs of navicular disease in horses, and how can it be managed?
Navicular disease affects the navicular bone and surrounding structures in the hoof, often leading to lameness and discomfort in the front feet. Early signs include a shortened stride or reluctance to turn sharply, and it can be managed with corrective shoeing, anti-inflammatory treatments, and adjustments to your horse’s workload.