stormybracken
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Hills - when is it OK?This may be a stupid question, but I know you won't all shoot me down as on other forums - haha.
Thinking about winter grazing my horses' next move would usually be to the top of the five acre field, quite a steep slope, in about 3-4 weeks. My probably navvy neddy (vet tests not complete) Storm is still lame, shoes don't come off 'till Friday (hurray), so if I have the diet right he will be coming sound for the next few months after that. If I move them up the field I will need to bring them down every day. I don't expect he will be comfortable going up or down in that short space of time so should I delay until he is? I'm trying to gauge the right balance between sensible exercise for him and my stupidity so any advice welcome.
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Nic
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If by navicular you mean either caudal hoof pain (nerve blocks to the back of the foot) or deep flexor tendonitis, then the surface is more critical for comfort than the slope.
We have gentle slopes on our tracks and cannot exercise anywhere without hillwork, but that hasn't been a problem in rehabbing the navicular horses. 
Nic
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brucea
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We don;t have anything else but hills - the yard is at the top and the hporses are ALWAYS at the bottom of the furthest part of the field! It's very good for MY fitness!
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stormybracken
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Excellent advice, thank you. I understand about the surface, but wasn't sure about the gradient! Once he's sound and working there are lots of lovely hills to help keep him sound and working.
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sarahh
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am jealous of hills. stupid flat west wiltshire.
Good luck with the shoe removal!
x
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SueH
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Hi Stormybracken. I'm in North Wales and we have a gentle slope on the paddock track and for hacking its hills hills hills round here. My navicular TB has come on a treat
good luck
Hey Sarah you may have no hills but I bet you get better weather than in wet Wales !
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