Epona shoes for horses with navicular syndrome

[Julz]

has anyone tried the Epona horseshoe? I would be interested in finding out why you decided to try it on your horse(s) and how you rate this product, particularly wrt beneficial effects on unsound horses. I have a 9 yr old mare that was diagnosed with navicular 2yrs ago. treatment with Tildren appeared effective on the 1st occasion, but less so on the 2nd treatment. She is now pottery in her movement in front and demonstrating reluctance to go forward. She has narrow front feet with narrow, contracted heels and frogs that have limited ground contact compromising her concussion absorption mechanisms. I like the science behind these shoes and I wonder whether the increased frog contact and permitting the structures of the foot to work in a more natural way could benefit my mare. I would be really grateful for any comments! The shoes aren't that expensive really - about £25 per pair - if they helped, they would be really worth the extra expense!

 

[Kallibear]

No idea about the shoes I'm afraid, but would highly reccomend you investigate Barefoot Trimming. There are so so many horses who's navicular has been seriously help, if not 'cured' by correct foot trimming and balance. Not suprising really, when most navicular is caused by poor foot balance and use in the first place. Your mares feet are a classic example.

It will take time and effort (mind you, probably not much more than a lame horse does) to transition her feet but should be worth it in the long run. Putting corrective shoes on may help but is more likely to mask the problem.

You don't have anything to loose trying barefoot - it won't make her any worse and you could always have shoes back on. What area are you in? There are good barefoot trimmers (NOT strasser trimmers!) all over the country.

 

[brightmount]

I totally agree with Kallibear. Barefoot save my horse who had navicular. If your horse has contracted heels and frogs that have limited ground contact then she is crying out for her shoes to be taken off and to go on a carefully managed barefoot programme under the supervision of a qualified DAEP.

This is a good place to start (scroll down for UK list):

http://www.equinepodiatry.net/locate.html

 

[Doublethyme]

I would also recommend trying barefoot as a last resort, however, be prepared from some hard work and a bit of heartache, as if your horse's feet are that bad, it will take a while for them to restore some health to the structures, but probably best chance of long term comfort.

Don't know much about Epona shoes, except that actually my DAEP (barefoot trimmer) rates them pretty highly as a good compromise between shoes and barefoot, so may well be worth a try. My understanding is that they are good as they flex with the foot, so would hopefully help the structures recover without restricting.

Alternatively contact a DAEP and ask about transitioning to barefoot with the aid of Perfect Hoof Wear maybe.

Barefoot certainly helped my friend's boy have a few more years of comfort from his severe navicular and coffin joint problems, although he is now regressing a little at this point in time - although still better than he was in expensive remedial shoeing, but hoping a bit of rest will get him back on track again.

There are one or two people who have used Epona shoes on the IHDG

 

[Julz]

thanks for the replies - i had already decided to try barefoot, and was considering the Epona shoe as a fall back, or for the summer season if we manage to get back jumping as the mare really benefits from fitting studs, particularly behind. we are now in wk 5 of going barefoot (i used a Podiatrist and was impressed by the time and care that he took to balance her feet). She does seem more comfortable and her horn is taking the strain ok so far, although we have done very little road work. The theory of going barefoot is logical - and i don't think it will do her any harm other than limit the road work that we can do. So we will continue