Should I Buy a Horse With Navicular? Tips for Smart Buyers

The moment you lay eyes on a horse with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, it’s hard not to imagine bringing them home—until you hear the word navicular. The vet’s diagnosis hangs in the air like a storm cloud, leaving you wondering: Should I buy a horse with navicular? The answer isn’t black and white, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision that’s best for both you and the horse.

Buying a horse diagnosed with navicular disease requires careful consideration. Navicular syndrome affects the structures in the heel and can lead to chronic lameness, impacting the horse’s performance and comfort. Yet, not all navicular cases are equal. Some horses respond well to management strategies—corrective shoeing, controlled exercise, and anti-inflammatory treatments—and go on to lead comfortable, active lives. Others may deteriorate despite interventions. Before making a decision, assess the horse’s current condition, your budget for ongoing care, and your riding goals. A pasture pet or light trail horse? Maybe. A competitive jumper or endurance prospect? Probably not. Honesty about your expectations and the horse’s limitations is key. And let’s be real: the emotional and financial investment in a navicular horse isn’t for everyone. But for the right owner, it can be a deeply rewarding journey.

Understanding Navicular Disease in Horses

Navicular disease, more accurately called navicular syndrome, is a chronic degenerative condition affecting the navicular bone and surrounding soft tissues in the horse’s hoof. It’s one of the most common causes of forelimb lameness, especially in sport horses. The pain stems from inflammation, cartilage deterioration, or tendon strain—often worsened by poor conformation or repetitive stress.

How Navicular Affects a Horse’s Movement

A horse with navicular may exhibit a shortened stride, reluctance to work, or a noticeable “pointing” of the affected hoof at rest. The lameness might come and go, making diagnosis tricky without professional imaging like X-rays or MRI. Some horses compensate well for years, while others show rapid decline. Understanding the severity and progression of your potential horse’s condition is crucial before committing.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

1. Veterinary Evaluation and Prognosis

Never skip a comprehensive pre-purchase exam by a trusted equine vet. Request all available medical records, imaging results, and treatment histories. Ask pointed questions: How advanced is the degeneration? What’s the expected long-term outlook? A horse with mild changes and a good response to therapy is a far different gamble than one with significant bone remodeling.

2. Your Riding Goals

• Casual trail riding or companionship? A navicular horse might thrive with low-impact work.
• Dressage, jumping, or high-performance disciplines? The repetitive stress could accelerate lameness.

3. Financial and Time Commitments

Owning a navicular horse often means recurring expenses:

• Specialized farrier work (wedges, egg-bar shoes)
• Joint supplements or prescription medications
• Frequent vet checks

If these costs give you pause, reconsider. Half-hearted care can mean unnecessary suffering for the horse.

Managing a Horse With Navicular

For those committed to the challenge, a structured care plan can maximize quality of life:

Hoof Care and Corrective Shoeing

A skilled farrier is your horse’s best ally. Proper trimming and therapeutic shoeing reduce pressure on the navicular bone and improve breakover. Some horses do well in barefoot protocols with padded boots—every case is unique.

Controlled Exercise and Conditioning

Regular, gentle movement supports circulation but avoid deep sand or rocky terrain. Swimming or aqua therapy can be excellent alternatives to reduce joint strain.

Alternative Paths: Adoption and Sanctuary

If riding isn’t a priority, consider adopting a retired navicular horse as a companion. Rescue organizations often have sound-but-limited horses needing loving homes. Alternatively, sponsoring a horse at a sanctuary lets you make a difference without full ownership burdens.

Heart Over Hurdles: Making the Ethical Choice

There’s no shame in walking away from a navicular horse if your situation isn’t ideal. But if you choose to proceed, do so with eyes wide open—armed with knowledge, patience, and unconditional commitment. The soft nudge of a grateful horse grazing peacefully in golden evening light can be worth every extra mile. Horses don’t choose their conditions; we choose how we answer them. And sometimes, the most profound connections begin with a single, imperfect hoof.