Horse Navicular Syndrome Farriery

Appropriate farriery management of navicular syndrome, including breakover modification and heel support, is central to pain management and welfare in affected horses.

Key Facts

Navicular syndrome causes pain during the breakover phase of the stride when the deep digital flexor tendon loads the navicular bone
Egg-bar shoes extend heel support and reduce tension on the deep digital flexor tendon
Raising the heel angle reduces the moment arm of the deep digital flexor tendon at the navicular bone
Regular trimming intervals maintain consistent breakover geometry critical for navicular management
Digital frog support pads increase loading on the frog, redistributing forces away from the navicular region
Close collaboration between vet and farrier is essential for optimal navicular management outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Appropriate farriery is as important as medication in navicular syndrome management and can make the difference between acceptable welfare and chronic uncontrolled pain. Horses with navicular syndrome experiencing long trimming intervals, inappropriate shoe types, or poorly adjusted breakover are in preventable additional pain. The skill and attentiveness of the attending farrier, working within a management plan agreed with the veterinary surgeon, directly determines how well the condition is controlled. Owners should actively facilitate regular vet-farrier communication rather than managing these relationships in isolation.

What You Can Do

Ensure your vet and farrier communicate directly about the management plan for your navicular horse
Maintain regular four to six week farriery intervals to preserve shoe support and consistent breakover geometry
Discuss specific shoe modifications for navicular management with an experienced equine farrier
Radiograph feet periodically to monitor bone changes and guide adjustments to the management approach
Support research into the long-term efficacy of different farriery approaches in navicular syndrome