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.
Midway, Ky., farrier Steve Norman gives much of the credit for his success to his mentor, the late Jack Reynolds. He says the legendary racehorse farrier showed him two ways to help Thoroughbreds.
Navicular disease, navicular syndrome, caudal heel syndrome, palmar foot pain - regardless of the label, you've probably seen the condition. The chronic, shifting front limb lameness that causes the horse to look as though it is tiptoeing over hot coals is common to many breeds and disciplines.
After nearly 40 years of treating horses suffering from founder, laminitis, heel pain or navicular disease, I've made several critical observations in regard to the need for using anti-inflammatory drugs.
Wouldn't it be great if all horses had correct, perfect or nearly perfect conformation? Then hooves could be easily shod and balanced, the horses would be sound and their owners would be pleased. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has spoiled this farrier dream. In the real world of horseshoeing, neither horses nor their hooves are perfect.
If you were looking to expand your knowledge of shoeing techniques and foot care, the Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium was definitely the place to be in late January.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.