Signs and symptoms
Navicular disease mainly affects both front hooves1. It often creeps in slowly and the signs can be subtle at first. Symptoms are more likely to be noticed in older horses but can also appear in younger horses2.
The navicular bone sits deep within the heel and works closely with tendons and ligaments. To avoid pain caused by landing on the heel, many horses start landing toe-first. You may notice your horse taking shorter, shuffling steps, almost as if they’re trying to tiptoe, and over time progressing to increased stumbling.
Lameness is a common sign of navicular disease, though it can be hard to spot, particularly when both front hooves are affected, as there’ll be no obvious head nodding when working in a straight line1. It tends to show up more clearly when your horse trots in a tight circle as the inside leg takes more strain and can trigger head nodding1. Lameness can come and go, often noticeable when your horse first moves, but it can disappear once they’ve warmed up1.
Some horses will stand with one front foot stretched forward, a posture called ‘pointing,’ to ease pressure on the heel. Over time, the shape of the hoof can change too, becoming narrower and more upright, with contracted heels.
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can make a horse more likely to develop navicular disease. Hoof shape is one of the biggest influences3. Horses with long toes, low heels or upright pasterns naturally place more strain on the structures inside the heel. Some breeds, for example quarter horses, thoroughbreds and warmbloods are also more prone due to genetic traits3. A horse’s workload also matters; activities that involve tight turns, sudden stops or work on hard ground can increase stress over time1. Body shape can play a role too, especially when a big-framed horse has relatively small hooves3.
Treatment
Navicular disease can’t usually be cured, but there are ways to manage it and keep your horse comfortable. If you’re worried about your horse or unsure whether the signs you’re seeing relate to navicular disease, speak to your vet. They may use nerve blocks and imaging (such as X-rays or MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment3.
Corrective shoeing is often the most important step. Your farrier may shorten the toe and add special shoes, like egg bars or wedges, to support the heel and make breakover easier (the moment a horse’s heel lifts and the hoof rolls off the toe).
Your vet may prescribe pain relief or treatments that help manage inflammation and support the long-term health of the navicular area3. In some cases, they may also recommend joint or bursa injections to reduce discomfort. Every horse responds differently, so your vet will talk through the options that best suit your horse’s needs.
Prevention
While you can’t always prevent navicular disease, good care can lower the risk. Regular visits from a registered farrier are essential to keep your horse’s hooves balanced and avoid long toes and low heels. Sensible exercise routines help; try to avoid too much work on hard ground or in tight circles and give your horse plenty of rest between training sessions1. Keeping your horse at a healthy weight is important, as extra weight adds strain to the hooves. Finally, a balanced diet with biotin, amino acids and minerals can make a big difference in hoof health.
References
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