06/03/2026
From the Desk of Dr. Ashman:
For decades, navicular syndrome has been treated primarily as a disease of the foot. While the pain is often localized to the navicular apparatus, I find even more frequently that the foot is only part of the story.
The horse's body functions as a connected biomechanical system. Restrictions, weakness, pain, or dysfunction in the axial skeleton—including the neck, back, thoracolumbar region, sacroiliac area, and pelvis—can alter movement patterns throughout the body. When this happens, abnormal forces are transferred to the limbs and feet. This is where overload begins.
Over time, these compensatory movement patterns can increase stress on the structures within the hoof, especially the navicular apparatus. The horse’s feet begin to change and suddenly he/she needs special shoes.
This doesn't mean navicular changes aren't real. They absolutely are. But focusing exclusively on the foot may cause us to miss the underlying factors that contributed to the problem in the first place.
When evaluating horses with chronic heel pain, navicular syndrome, or persistent front limb lameness, I believe it's essential to assess the entire horse:
💫 Posture
💫 Spinal mobility
💫 Pelvic function
💫 Muscular symmetry
💫 Saddle fit
💫 Hoof balance
💫 Movement patterns
The question shouldn't always be, "What's wrong with the foot?"
Sometimes the more important question is, "Why is the foot being overloaded?"
With special shoes, Osphos, and pain management, the horse may improve temporarily.
However, when we address the whole system, the horse has a much better chance of long-term success.
We’ve seen navicular syndrome ‘disappear’ in many cases after the underlying problem within the axial skeleton is discovered and treated.
https://hoofbeatsequine.com/request-appointment/
