Navicular changes and going barefoot

[Tacobell]

Hi all. Seen a few threads like this but thought it would be easier to start my own …
Horse this week diagnosed with navicular changes (plus ddft tear, Bone bruise) and is having 6 months off work . We believe he is a good candidate to take barefoot .
I believe he is landing toe first currently and my friend said that this has probably been A catalyst to his injury .
Do I use the same farrier for barefoot transition or go to a barefoot specialist?
the one I’m looking at and in talks with is a trainer/coach as ISNHCP.

 

[SadKen]

Barefoot specialist for me, but do your homework, ask for recommendations from barefoot owners etc. With pathology like you describe, the trim has to be right and they are a good source of information and support for diet, movement, boots and helping you stay sane whilst you navigate the experience. Farriers can be great, but in my personal experience mine trimmed for a shoe not barefoot, took too much off and was too keen to get the horse back into shoes.

There are plenty of social media barefoot groups you can join too.

If you have slo mo feature on your phone camera you can film the horse walking (place phone at ground level) to see if it’s a toe first landing.

Getting the diet right is essential, as is treating for thrush. Good luck! It’s a rollercoaster! I bought a horse that’s always been barefoot so I don’t have to ride it again!

 

[Highmileagecob]

As above, finding a farrier that supports barefoot rehab and knows what they are doing is not easy. Farriers have a fantastic wealth of knowledge, but they are taught to shoe and correct defects with shoes. Read all you can about hoof rehab and call in a good barefoot trimmer if you feel your farrier is not really on board.