How do you manage Navicular?

So the boots aren't getting rave reviews in general but may have a place in specific situations/short term assistance.

I suspect she may have soles on the thin side but I would personally try Keratex and biotin before going down the hoof boot route? I'm undecided how I feel about hoof boots tbh.

Anyone tried herbal supplements (apart from Tumeric as that has been mentioned previously) to improve circulation? Ginkgo Biloba, ginger and garlic pop up for circulation and arnica and comfrey for pain but has anyone actually tried them and seen any benefit?
 
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garlic shouldn't go anywhere near a horse IMO :p, and neither should keratex. Biotin is no good on it's own and actually a good vit/min mix does just as good and the horse then produces sufficient.
 
I am also very anti garlic and of the opinion you need a good hoof supplement rather than biotin which I have always found pretty useless .
 
criso said:
I didn't use them for my ex Rockley horse. There would be a few things that would concern me especially if dealing with soft tissue strain as I was

- You wouldn't be able to see how the horse was landing
- The horse might be encouraged to work beyond what he was ready to do
- If you have a horse that needs to wear and grow an non typical hoof, it would prevent this process
- The weight/balance of hoof boots could affect the movement in a very subtle way that could be problematic with soft tissue.
- if you can't keep up with growth using exercise he may need trimming. That can cause problems if you can't find the right person who can trim sympathetically.


However neither do you want the horse moving when it's uncomfortable as that could not only cause problems with the feet like bruising but also problems higher up to compensate for not moving correctly. So I wouldn't say don't use them, I would just say be very aware of the factors above. .
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I think the Rockley view on boots is well known however for many who don't have their facilities boots are a Godsend. They are often the only way to keep the horse comfy.

I don't think the reason that they may need trimming due to growth is really a reason not to boot. The answer to that is to trim correctly.
Obviously you would choose boots with the best breakover and rasp more breakover in if appropriate.
 
Illusion100 said:
Its been arranged, we're off to Goldenstars for a trimming session and beach party. :) We now need to add wine along with the scones and cake!

P.s. You're driving.

She is going to Minster, I suppose she'll be referred to Rainbow if they want to MRI though.
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I am East Yorkshire way. Know pretty much all of rainbows vets very well , sadly! Wouldnt go anywere else!
 
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Illusion100 said:
What are the specific benefits of salt for Navvy?
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None specific for navicular but it helps balance all the minerals you will be adding and will help to eliminate excess much quicker.

It's something I wish I took heed about much earlier.

I always had salt licks, but never realised how little horses get from those. Saw a huge improvement when I added loose in bucket.
 
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