There is surely nothing more distressing for an equestrian to look forward to a ride on your favorite horse, only to get to the stable and find the horse to be lame. Although this is a fairly common condition, especially after a long and rough outride, it is nonetheless of great concern as it is a painful condition for the animal and in most cases complete rest is the best treatment while the bone and surrounding tissue is given time to heal after the navicular syndrome has passed.
The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.
If the animal shows a tendency of lameness too frequently, regular check-ups by a trusted veterinarian is important. A chronic and disabling disease can be the result of neglecting the symptoms which can lead to other more serious abnormal conditions. Lameness is usually the result of injury of the heel area of the feet due to incorrect landing of the horse and the rider should guide the horse to make the correct normal landing which is heel to toe, instead of the other way around.
Landing incorrectly will always lead to lameness, due to injury of the heel section of the feet, which can be avoided if the rider guides the horse to land heel-to-toe and not the other way around.
Thoroughbreds are likely to have relatively small feet whereas their frames are usually large. They are therefore more predisposed to lameness which it is believed to most commonly occur between the ages of 7 and 14 years. The weight of the rider is most certainly also a factor but thoroughbreds and American Quarter horses, opposed to ponies, have an increased chance of this syndrome as they have a higher weight to foot ratio.
To ensure the speedy recovery of the animal, a less strenuous work routine is recommended and jumping on hard surfaces will lengthen the recovery time. Only gentle rides should be undertaken to ensure the fitness of the horse is preserved while healing is in progress. No rough and stony surfaces or extreme hills should be attempted as this will most certainly add to the discomfort of the animal.
Those in the know believe that thoroughbreds have small feet in relation to their larger bodies and they therefore have a higher tendency to contract this condition. Research shows that this becomes evident from the ages of seven or more years. It is the contention of most in the equestrian field that ponies have a higher defense against this condition as they are not usually thoroughbreds.
In this day and age the benefit of a great deal of research is at ones disposal in order to reach quicker results and this is also the case in the treatment of navicular disease or syndrome. Coupled with care and patience the animal can quickly be brought to its normal state of fitness through the correct help after which horse and rider will again be able to partake in the wonderful sport of riding and jumping.
The role of the farrier, or blacksmith, is a very important one in maintaining the well being of the horse as the appropriate treatment of its hooves and shoes will ensure the comfort and health of the animal. There are many different designs of shoes for horses, all depending on the weight and size of the horse and what kind of work the animal usually does. Decreased pressure on the tissue in the hooves as well as the tendons is of great importance, which a good farrier will know very well.
If the animal shows a tendency of lameness too frequently, regular check-ups by a trusted veterinarian is important. A chronic and disabling disease can be the result of neglecting the symptoms which can lead to other more serious abnormal conditions. Lameness is usually the result of injury of the heel area of the feet due to incorrect landing of the horse and the rider should guide the horse to make the correct normal landing which is heel to toe, instead of the other way around.
Landing incorrectly will always lead to lameness, due to injury of the heel section of the feet, which can be avoided if the rider guides the horse to land heel-to-toe and not the other way around.
Thoroughbreds are likely to have relatively small feet whereas their frames are usually large. They are therefore more predisposed to lameness which it is believed to most commonly occur between the ages of 7 and 14 years. The weight of the rider is most certainly also a factor but thoroughbreds and American Quarter horses, opposed to ponies, have an increased chance of this syndrome as they have a higher weight to foot ratio.
To ensure the speedy recovery of the animal, a less strenuous work routine is recommended and jumping on hard surfaces will lengthen the recovery time. Only gentle rides should be undertaken to ensure the fitness of the horse is preserved while healing is in progress. No rough and stony surfaces or extreme hills should be attempted as this will most certainly add to the discomfort of the animal.
Those in the know believe that thoroughbreds have small feet in relation to their larger bodies and they therefore have a higher tendency to contract this condition. Research shows that this becomes evident from the ages of seven or more years. It is the contention of most in the equestrian field that ponies have a higher defense against this condition as they are not usually thoroughbreds.
In this day and age the benefit of a great deal of research is at ones disposal in order to reach quicker results and this is also the case in the treatment of navicular disease or syndrome. Coupled with care and patience the animal can quickly be brought to its normal state of fitness through the correct help after which horse and rider will again be able to partake in the wonderful sport of riding and jumping.
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