Daisy Cutting

[an9686]

Hi guys,

I wondered if some of you could give me the low-down on this toe-flicking action; I realise that it is a desirable trait by some but I also understand it may be a symptom of early navicular - can anyone expand? Thanks!

 

[paulineh]

I have 2 Arabs that Daisy Cut.

As they got older it was less noticeable.

How old is the horse. I have never heard of it being associated with navicular, only tripping.

 

[jenh166]

A lot of the time it is just the natural action of the horse, and like you said is desirable in some circumstances e.g. first ridden ponies. What's more important is whether your horse has always done this (probabably just their natural way of going) , or is it a recent change (which means it could be a sign of an early problem - not necessarily just navicular syndrome - could be many things including poor farriery/foot balance,osteoarthritis, subclinical laminitis). Horses can also start doing it if you put boots on them that feel funny, or start riding in a saddle that needs a short girth as they can find the girth buckles behind their elbows a bit odd til they get used to it and hence trot weirdly!

 

[Brandy]

It is more a way to describe the natural action of a horse or pony. More commonly those with sloping shoulder and long low action rather than knee action.