The equine navicular enthesis organ, showing structures of the navicular apparatus. Image: Osborne, Blas-Machado, Cornille, Uhl
“Navicular” is a diagnosis that nobody wants to hear. The prognosis is often poor, resulting in full or partial retirement of the horse. Equine Science Foundation co-founder Paige LaBella looks at a review of the latest research, which suggests navicular syndrome might be preventable.
Navicular is usually associated with front foot pain and damage to the navicular bone, deep inside the hoof structure, and any of a number of structures around it.
But what if there was a way to prevent it through training? A promising review paper on navicular syndrome suggests this may be the case.