Farriers have tried to address issues affecting the navicular apparatus for ages. Before the automobile became commonplace, if a horse was unable to work, the owner went without transport or income.

The navicular shoe to the right was built by Henry Asmus for entry in Horseshoes of Interest to Veterinarians, which was written for a New York state report in 1917-18. 

“This is the latest designed shoe for navicular disease,” wrote the former Cornell University Farrier Program instructor. “Notice the bar and the heels are twice as thick as the toe … made with long calks from heel to toe, good elevating heel and good rolling toe.”

Click to enlarge

SOURCE:

Steve Kraus, Cornell University; Henry Asmus, Report of the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University for the Year 1917-18