Dear Cherry,

I have been offered a 13 year old horse with navicular syndrome. I do not have an experience with treating navicular. I have been told the horse can still be ridden.

Can you tell me if someone weighing nearly 200lbs could ride the horse? does the horse need special treatment? Will the horse cost more money then it will create joy?

I am a student, with little money, and no experience dealing with this problem. Would you recommend that I accept or decline the horse?

Thanks, Kate

Hi Kate,

First some "homework" for you........since you are a student, I couldn't resist ! Please read the following articles as a basis for my comments.

Owning a horse in normal condition is expensive. Be sure you are aware of the customary costs associated with feed, vet and farrier care. I outline this in The Cost of Keeping a Horse.

Now onto Navicular Syndrome which you can read about here: Navicular Syndrome.

Finally, Weight Carrying Capacity.

Now to your questions specifically.

Yes, most horses with navicular syndrome need special treatment - that is, special shoeing and possibly medication. The only way you will know the real $$dollar answer to this is to have a veterinarian and farrier examine the horse and give you a prognosis and treatment estimate.

As far as the weight carrying capacity of a horse, it depends on the size and condition of the horse and the severity of the navicular. This is something you can ask the vet when you have him or her look at the horse. When calculating, don't forget to include the weight of the saddle (with western saddles that can be significant). The article I referred you to will help in this regard.

As to the money and joy question, that is so subjective and since I don't know the horse or you, I decline to answer. I hope you'll find the right answer after you've read the articles and my comments.

Please be aware that accepting a free horse is just like buying a horse when it comes to the pre-purchase exams and test rides. See my book Horse for Sale.

The price of a horse is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of feed and care. See Horse Health Care.

To learn more about navicular syndrome, refer to Maximum Hoof Power.

and Practical Guide to Lameness in Horses

or watch for our upcoming book later this summer : Horse Hoof Care.

Best of luck in making your decision,