Different types of shoes for horses with possible navicular and other hoof issues

[ala359]

Have you tried her in cloud boots? So many of these navicular horses are becoming sound again now with correct barefoot rehab, but it’s VERY particular and they HAVE to get comfortable enough to have a distinct heal first landing which the cloud boots help with as they have therapeutic wedge pads. The trimmers who specialize in barefoot rehab for navicular rehab generally recommend them for a period after pulling shoes to strengthen the digital cushion and therefore the entire caudal aspect of the foot. I went down this road last year after my 4 year old was diagnosed.

Look into the research of Dr. Robert Bowker, Rockley Rehab, Daisy Haven Farm and the Progressive Hoofcare Practitioners. The Humble Hoof podcast is amazing too. I know sound like one of the “crazy barefoot people” now, but hopeful for you that maybe your horse could come out of retirement one day😊

[quietann]

Note: it’s a bit rude to suggest a cure-all to someone who has been gradually retiring their horse for many reasons for the past year. The hooves are a minor issue at this point; she’s nearly 24, old injuries and conformation defects are catching up with her, she has mild heaves, summer allergies, showed signs of becoming a non-sweater on last year’s summer trail rides, is insulin-resistant, and has mild neurological deficits from a bout of EPM 8 or 9 years ago. She is bright-eyed and happy anyway, and still up for gentle riding.

In any case, she adjusted quickly to being barefoot and is actually doing better barefoot than she was when shod with pads. With removal of her front shoes, she was gimpy (more than usual) for 2 or 3 days, abd that was it. Yes, she’s getting some chipping which may be related to nail holes growing out. Her hooves are the least of my worries.

And… if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would have kept her barefoot and used boots for trail riding.

[ala359]

Sorry, that was not my intention😳 Thought it sounded like you were in the same position I had been in and could use some positivity and hope🤷🏻‍♀️.

Anyway, best of luck with your horse!

[Pico_Banana]

@wildlifer Do you nail or glue on the Equiflex?

My mare is a chronic shoe puller and am wondering if we should try these.

[wildlifer]

We nail on the equiflex. They come without holes drilled (I order them, farrier installs them) so there is a nice flexibility to place the holes wherever suitable for that particular horse. I think the company has some instructions online about installation, the nails get driven a little differently IIRC. My farrier (who introduced me to these shoes, I had never heard of) just uses his regular tools, he doesn’t need whatever special tool for the nails that the company talks about.

I do still use bell boots with them - I’m not sure they are really needed, but they don’t hurt anything so I just leave them on there. The polyurethane is really strong & tough, but the edges can be shaped/adjusted with a rasp.

[quietann]

Apology accepted… I really couldn’t tell your intent. The past 6 months have been very difficult with her (as she is likely my first and last horse) and I forget my manners sometimes.