phillipa
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navicular boyHope you don't mind a newbie putting this in but perhaps someone could help.
I'm moving abroad and I need to find a good home for my boy Shadow 
He's a 15.1h, 12-year-old Blue Roan cob. I got him two years ago as a companion horse. He used to be a riding horse but kept going lame. His previous owner took him down the traditional route, nerve blocks, remedial shoeing, x-rays etc. The x-rays finally revealed he had navicular and holes had appeared in the navicular bone in both fronts. Vets suggested she cut the nerves to stop the pain. She refused and instead advertised him and I ended up buying him for a small amount.
Shadow has gone down the barefoot route. His feet are quite small for his size and tend to be too long and narrow. His heels are constricted and he lands toe first and is very tippy-toed over stoney or hard surfaces. He's been trimmed by UKNHCP trimmers for the past year and slowly his feet are getting better - they are finally the right shape to be fitted with boots.
He has to be seen every six weeks to stop his feet getting too long. I haven't done enough work with him, he could have got a lot better in the time I've had him if I'd had the time myself.
When we tried him in his new boots he was sound, he doesn't favour one leg over the other, bounced over the stony path when he realised it didn't hurt anymore and was the happiest boy around. Obviously the more he is worked in the boots the better his feet will get etc etc.
Anyone taking him on could end up with a sound horse who could be ridden in boots.
Shadow is as bright as a button and bored in the field. He's got a gorgeous movement. He loved clicker training. He can be bargey as he's obviously got away with it in the past, but if someone is firm with him he will listen and behave himself - the more he's handled the politer he becomes. I lead him in a Dually or a parelli halter and he walks with the rope slack.
There isn't a nasty bone in his body, he's never kicked or threatened in any way.
He's a very very good doer but not prone to laminitis. He lived out last year without a rug and doesn't need hard feed - often doesn't need hay either! He could be a project or a great low maintenance companion as he doesn't fret when his mate is taken out (apart from if they know they're being fed then he gets a bit upset!)
Because of the circumstances I wouldn't expect a payment for Shadow, I just want a good home for him with the chance of a future.
Send me a pm or post here if you want any more information or more photos of him or his feet.
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