Small Farmer's Guide

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Although it may appear to strike sporadically, there are certain factors that place a horse at risk. Long toed show horses, quarter horses, and thoroughbreds seem to be predisposed to this disease. All these breeds tend to have feet that receive a high level of what's known as cyclical loading and are in a stop and go exercise mode. Any horse that has long toes and low heels or has a hoof axis broken backwards constantly puts the navicular bone in a squeeze. The horse with particularly small feet for large weight puts extra pounds per square inch on the navicular bone. These factors make navicular disease more likely.

Innately lethargic horses, possibly apathetic due to adrenal, thyroid, or other lameness, are much more likely to suffer from navicular disease. Animals turned out alone who tend to either stand or graze (vs. exercise) are more at risk. Likewise, the horse who stands in the middle of the stall or on a concave floor so his toes are elevated is just as likely to have a navicular problem as the long toe, low heel counterpart in the show ring.

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