Horse people have good reason to fear the serious condition known as founder. This inflammatory condition is one type of navicular disease which causes lameness and may result in degeneration and deformation of the hoof. The problem is still being researched, but some causes are well known to experienced owners.
Founder is caused by too much rich grass or grain. It usually happens in the spring, when horses are turned out into lush pastures, or when an animal gets into the feed room and eats several days ration at once. Grass founder may take a week or so to show up, but the reaction to grain can happen in hours.
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.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase 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.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
Founder is caused by too much rich grass or grain. It usually happens in the spring, when horses are turned out into lush pastures, or when an animal gets into the feed room and eats several days ration at once. Grass founder may take a week or so to show up, but the reaction to grain can happen in hours.
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.
Ponies are more likely to founder on grass than horses, but all of the species is at risk. Owners must keep their animals at a proper weight, since putting a horse on a diet is difficult and can cause anemia. Exercise is important to keep weight down and to increase 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.
Limiting access to rich grass is always wise, especially in spring when the grass is lushest. Feed rooms should be securely locked. Exercise should be regular, not overly strenuous, and on ground that is not too hard. Regular trimming and shoeing (if necessary) by a skilled farrier is important; owners should know enough to be able to judge the quality of the work.
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