Perhaps one of the more shocking equine ailments an equestrian can ever encounter is the navicular illness; on any ordinary day a trainer may find her pony brought to her haunches by acute bouts of discomfort, or might be unpleasantly shocked by a pony undergoing training all of a sudden slowing down in extreme discomfort halfway into the routine. For owners of steeds used essentially for leisurely horse riding, it can be more shocking, what with their horses suddenly not being able and reluctant to go forward, stumbling over thru gaits they'd typically carelessly perform. The discomfort comes from a very strong burning discomfort due to increased blood flow in the hooves of the horse and the accompanying shifting of what is commonly known as the coffin bone.
Navicular illness can be triggered by unusual hoof expansion, and this in turn can be promoted by not correctly trimming pony hooves regularly. A hoof will grow and wear in accordance to what kind of footing it's kept on. In poor footing and absence of regular, proper trimming, the coffin bone can be rendered immobile and thus cause blood flow in the hoof to be restricted. Acute conditions see the coffin bone sinking to the bottom of the affected hoof and piercing thru the hoof. The condition is frequently observed in front hooves and typically both feet are afflicted. The danger of acquiring the ailment increases when horses are commonly kept in stalls it is compounded by physically demanding tasks or by being obese. Also, horses whose physiques are not correct in proportion or conformation are at higher risk.
Thoroughbreds have smaller feet compared to their bodies and are therefore susceptible to navicular; quarter horses have the tendency to be susceptible to it too. Ponies as young as a year old can be diagnosed with navicular, the illness itself is gradual. As navicular gets worse over the course of time it can be hard to detect it in the very early stages. Signs of the disease are:
-Her stride is shortened, and she is averse to lengthen it.
-She stumbles thru gaits.
-She shifts body weight when resting.
-She is uneven while turning.
Navicular illness can be triggered by unusual hoof expansion, and this in turn can be promoted by not correctly trimming pony hooves regularly. A hoof will grow and wear in accordance to what kind of footing it's kept on. In poor footing and absence of regular, proper trimming, the coffin bone can be rendered immobile and thus cause blood flow in the hoof to be restricted. Acute conditions see the coffin bone sinking to the bottom of the affected hoof and piercing thru the hoof. The condition is frequently observed in front hooves and typically both feet are afflicted. The danger of acquiring the ailment increases when horses are commonly kept in stalls it is compounded by physically demanding tasks or by being obese. Also, horses whose physiques are not correct in proportion or conformation are at higher risk.
Thoroughbreds have smaller feet compared to their bodies and are therefore susceptible to navicular; quarter horses have the tendency to be susceptible to it too. Ponies as young as a year old can be diagnosed with navicular, the illness itself is gradual. As navicular gets worse over the course of time it can be hard to detect it in the very early stages. Signs of the disease are:
-Her stride is shortened, and she is averse to lengthen it.
-She stumbles thru gaits.
-She shifts body weight when resting.
-She is uneven while turning.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather
Toms’ passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100’s
of articles with other horse lovers… like all things about cheap horse rugs
Toms’ passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100’s
of articles with other horse lovers… like all things about cheap horse rugs
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