How can you help navicular syndrome?

• A. Lower toe height and shorten the toe
• B. Use a gel pad under the sole
• C. Raise hoof angle, rocker toe, egg bar
• D. Increase workload and training tempo

Answer: (C)

Correcting navicular syndrome involves changing how the hoof bears weight and how the foot breaks over, to reduce the stress and concussion on the navicular region. Raising the hoof angle helps by altering the line of force through the hoof and leg, which reduces the breaking force at the toe and lowers pressure on the navicular apparatus. A rocker toe smooths the breakover phase, decreasing the lever arm that the toe exerts as the foot leaves the ground, so less stress is transmitted to the navicular area during stance and propulsion. An egg-bar shoe provides extra heel support and distributes load more evenly toward the heel and frog, offloading the toe and improving stability of the hoof capsule. Together, these adjustments can lessen pain and improve soundness by addressing the mechanical factors that contribute to navicular issues.

Lowering toe height or shortening the toe would increase the breakover leverage and concentrate more stress on the navicular region. A gel pad under the sole may cushion the hoof but does not address the underlying mechanics, and increasing workload or training tempo would likely aggravate symptoms.