A couple of weeks ago, my 6 year old QH mare was diagnosed with navicular bony changes. I was pretty devastated at the time, especially because the vet and farrier both said, “it’s degenerative, it will never get better, do what you can for now but she’ll probably be lame forever.”
Ouch. Talk about a shot to the heart.
Now that I’ve had a couple of weeks to do research on my own, talk to some other sources, and change my perspective a little, I’m feeling better but obviously still sad she’s in pain. This mare gave me my confidence back after an accident, has always been such a sweet support, and one that I had big dreams with.
My mare is out 24/7 on native grass, gets a timothy pellet mash with vermont blend pro and salt every couple of days, and is currently barefoot. She is sound at the walk and right lead canter but clearly lame at the trot. She’s had about a month of bodywork and tomorrow will be 3 weeks in a row of PEMF on her foot which does seem to have an effect on how she’s moving. She also gets shod tomorrow with a set of Freedom Shoes, highly recommended by a farrier friend of mine. The plan is to keep them on for 3 cycles by which point I will transition her to barefoot for the winter. If she’s uncomfortable at all bare, we’ll try cloud boots with pad inserts.
My goal is to rehab her to be completely sound. I’m holding out hope from the many sources I’ve found online such as Alicia Harlov and Pete Ramey (specifically this article).
Writing and sharing has always been a huge outlet for me, and I know I’m not the only one in a horse care desert who is struggling to make sense of what the internet says vs. what the professionals on the ground say. I want to share my story and hear yours - what’s worked on your hoofcare journey? What would you never try again? What surprised you?
