Can Ground Poles Help with Rehab for Navicular Horses?
When a horse is diagnosed with navicular syndrome, it can feel like everything changes . Routines, riding goals, even how you think about movement. But movement, when used intentionally, can play a role in keeping these horses comfortable and confident.
Ground poles are one of the simplest tools in a rehab program. They’re accessible, low-impact, and easy to adapt. But are they appropriate for horses with navicular issues? The short answer: sometimes, and under professional guidance.
In this post, we’ll explore what the current research says about ground poles and biomechanics, how they may support soundness in navicular horses, and when to involve your veterinarian, farrier, and equine bodywork professional in the process.
Why Gentle Movement Matters for Navicular Rehab
Navicular syndrome, also known as podotrochlosis, affects the structures around the navicular bone, including the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), bursa, and supporting ligaments. It’s a chronic, degenerative condition that requires careful, long-term management.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, appropriate treatment often includes corrective farriery, anti-inflammatories, and controlled movement to maintain circulation and flexibility in the lower limb.
Ground poles, when used under supervision, can encourage slow, deliberate motion that activates stabilizing muscles and increases proprioception - the horse’s awareness of limb placement. This type of gentle engagement supports balance and coordination without overloading the joints.
The key is moderation: enough movement to stimulate the body, not so much that it strains it.
The Misunderstanding About “Rest Is Best”
Many owners believe complete rest is the safest route for navicular horses, but long-term inactivity can cause secondary issues like muscle loss, stiffness, and reduced hoof blood flow.
While acute flare-ups do require rest, most veterinarians recommend a return to controlled, low-impact exercise once pain is managed. Research on proprioceptive training (Clayton et al., Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010) supports this approach, showing that varied, low-intensity movement helps retrain limb awareness and stability.
For navicular horses, this might mean walking over a few flat poles once or twice a week. Always after your vet has cleared the horse for light work.
What the Research Actually Says About Ground Poles
Current studies don’t focus specifically on navicular rehab, but they do shed light on how pole work affects biomechanics in healthy horses, and those findings are promising.
A 2020 study from Hartpury University found that walking over ground and raised poles increased joint range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder and hock without adding extra loading to the limbs. Increased ROM supports better flexibility and joint health, both of which can benefit horses recovering from lameness.
Similarly, University of Central Lancashire research (2021) showed that ground pole work activates the longissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis muscles, helping horses engage their core and lift through the back.
These are exactly the postural muscles we want active in horses with chronic foot pain - muscles that relieve excess strain through the forelimbs by redistributing movement across the body.
That said, no published research currently proves that ground poles directly reduce stress on the navicular bone or DDFT. Their value lies in improving overall posture and movement efficiency, which can indirectly support comfort when used correctly.
Safe Ways to Introduce Ground Poles for Navicular Horses
If your vet has approved gentle exercise, ground poles can offer structure and engagement without overloading your horse. Here’s a safe starting point:
Keep it flat. Begin with poles resting on the ground with no raised work until the horse shows consistent comfort.
Use even footing. A soft, level surface reduces concussion and keeps movement predictable.
Stick to the walk. Walking allows time for careful limb placement and encourages relaxation.
Start with space. For most horses, 3 to 3.5 feet between poles allows a natural stride.
Short sessions matter. Begin with just 5–10 minutes once or twice weekly. Build slowly.
Observe and adjust. Watch for shortened steps, resistance, or head nodding which are all signs your horse may need a break or adjustment.
Coordinate with your team. Discuss hoof care, bodywork, and pain management with your professionals before progressing.
Think of it as a mindful movement. Reawakening the body’s natural coordination, not a conditioning workout.
The Long-Term Value of Intentional Movement
For navicular horses, progress often comes from small, thoughtful steps. Movement that supports joint mobility, balance, and relaxation has a compounding effect: it maintains strength, aids circulation, and helps reduce compensatory tension.
Ground poles are not a treatment for navicular disease, but they can be a valuable adjunct to a complete rehab plan that includes:
Correct farrier work
Pain management under veterinary supervision
Regular bodywork and stretching
Controlled exercise suited to the horse’s stage of recovery
When combined, these elements create a path toward comfort and longevity, even if full soundness isn’t achievable.
Ready to Support Your Horse’s Next Step?
If your veterinarian has cleared your horse for light work, explore guided exercises inside Ground Pole Workouts.
Our programs help riders reintroduce movement safely through low-stress exercises that build awareness, balance, and trust. Always check with your vet, farrier, and bodywork team before beginning any new routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Poles and Navicular
Can ground poles cure navicular disease?
No. Navicular disease cannot be cured, but exercise that supports balance and posture may help manage symptoms and improve comfort.
Is ground pole work safe for all navicular horses?
Not necessarily. Horses differ in severity, pain response, and hoof structure. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Do ground poles increase concussion on the feet?
When done at a walk on soft footing, ground poles do not appear to increase concussion. Research shows they improve joint range of motion without added limb loading.
Can ground poles replace farrier or veterinary care?
Never. They’re a supportive exercise only. Farrier and veterinary management remain the foundation of care.
How often can I use ground poles during rehab?
Start once or twice weekly for short sessions, observing your horse’s comfort and adjusting with professional input.
Closing
Ground poles remind us that healing is movement - quiet, deliberate, and full of feedback. When used with care and collaboration, they can help navicular horses find rhythm and trust again, one careful step at a time. Find your path at groundpoleworkouts.com!