If you’re studying navicular disease you’re undoubtedly finding a fairly wide array of information. Let’s just look at it from the prevention/shoeing perspective.

Navicular disease accurately describes a deteriorating condition of the navicular bones that lie in the horse’s foot. Causes can vary and actually pinpointing the real cause often times is left undetected – there are just too many factors that can contribute to the problem. One such factor is shoeing.

When it comes to shoeing and Farrier talks one of the least understood topics is the discussion of hoof balance. Ask half dozen different Farriers the meaning of hoof balance and you’re likely to have half dozen different answers. While hoof balance is so misunderstood it’s also most crucial to avoiding permanent lameness to horses. Put those two ingredients together and you have a recipe for disaster. Until hoof balance is completely understood there’s a 98% chance a horse will remain at serious risk. Let’s discuss balance and reduce the risk.