Horse owners rightly fear the problem of founder in their animals. One cause of navicular disease, foundering usually affects the front feet of a horse, resulting in lameness which can be permanent. There are other causes of navicular problems which are still being researched by equine health experts.
The term 'founder' is used to describe the discomfort a horse experiences when it eats too much rich grass or grain. The result is an inflammation of the digestive tract and of the front feet of the animal. Severe cases can result in death and/or permanent damage to the feet. A horse allowed unlimited access to lush grass or the feed room can quickly develop symptoms of founder.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Although ponies are more susceptible than horses to grass founder, all equines are at risk. Maintaining a proper weight is important, since keeping a horse in a dry lot makes everyone miserable and can result in other problems, like anemia or vices like cribbing. Regular exercise is helpful in keeping weight under control and improving the circulation to the feet.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes include standing too much, as when a horse is confined to a stall and not allowed sufficient time out at exercise. Forcing growth with rich feed, as is commonly done with thoroughbred youngsters destined for the yearling sales, can have detrimental effects. Race horses and show animals are routinely stalled for their protection, given demanding training schedules, and kept on high energy feeds.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
To protect your horse, limit lush pasture and keep feed rooms securely closed. Make sure your equine friend doesn't get fat and has enough exercise to keep the blood flowing. Work on yielding ground and good footing. Learn how to tell if your farriers is doing a good job in keeping the angles of the leg and foot in proper alignment. Be careful not to train and compete too hard if you want a long and happy association with your horse.
The term 'founder' is used to describe the discomfort a horse experiences when it eats too much rich grass or grain. The result is an inflammation of the digestive tract and of the front feet of the animal. Severe cases can result in death and/or permanent damage to the feet. A horse allowed unlimited access to lush grass or the feed room can quickly develop symptoms of founder.
A continual state of overweight contributes to founder and makes horses more likely to develop inflammation and pain in their front feet. The animal will be reluctant to move and may stand with front feet extended, constantly shifting weight from one foot to another. Overweight also puts constant stress on the feet, especially the front ones which carry up to 75% of the horse's weight.
Although ponies are more susceptible than horses to grass founder, all equines are at risk. Maintaining a proper weight is important, since keeping a horse in a dry lot makes everyone miserable and can result in other problems, like anemia or vices like cribbing. Regular exercise is helpful in keeping weight under control and improving the circulation to the feet.
Horses also may develop navicular problems from working on hard ground, jumping more than their feet can stand, or being poorly shod. Warmbloods make talented sport horses, being athletic enough for show jumping and eventing and sensible enough to handle the stress of competition. However, many people have found it hard to keep these heavy horses sound season after season.
Other causes include standing too much, as when a horse is confined to a stall and not allowed sufficient time out at exercise. Forcing growth with rich feed, as is commonly done with thoroughbred youngsters destined for the yearling sales, can have detrimental effects. Race horses and show animals are routinely stalled for their protection, given demanding training schedules, and kept on high energy feeds.
Maintaining the natural shape and balance of the foot is important. Improper trimming and shoeing can cause navicular problems. If toes are too long and heels sloped too far under the foot, strained tendons can pull bones in the foot out of position. This can cause arthritic degeneration inside the foot. Heels should be allowed to spread in a natural way; rigid shoes and contracted heels are thought to contribute to navicular.
To protect your horse, limit lush pasture and keep feed rooms securely closed. Make sure your equine friend doesn't get fat and has enough exercise to keep the blood flowing. Work on yielding ground and good footing. Learn how to tell if your farriers is doing a good job in keeping the angles of the leg and foot in proper alignment. Be careful not to train and compete too hard if you want a long and happy association with your horse.
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