Horse-DiseasesLaminitisOne of the horse-diseases that can be directly related to nutrition is Laminitis. 
Before we get into Laminitis, let me introduce you to Navajo.Description Breed ...Shetland Pony Age ...1999 Color ...brown/brindle with flaxen mane and tail Height ...36 inches hoof size ...000 Weight ...#600 What Navajo eats… As with many ponies, Navajo loves to eat and does not particularly know when it is healthy for him to stop. Because of this we have to control the quantity and the level of carbohydrates in his feed. At the same time he needs to eat slowly and spread it out over most of the day . This is how horses digest food the best as they have relatively small stomachs. He is fed a small amount of grass hay, timothy or field hay that has no more than 8 % protein. If this hay does not have enough nutrients he is supplemented with a pelleted feed that adds the nutrients without increasing the protein or carbohydrates so that he does not gain excessive weight. Why? Fat ponies are cute but not healthy. Obesity in ponies can be the cause of many horse-diseases. Navajo's living arrangements on the farm
One afternoon we went to get Navajo from his paddock . He was to help with a lesson for a little girl. But as I approached and noticed the way he was standing, legs camped out in front of him I became alarmed. He did not want to move and as I felt his hooves and lower legs I felt heat and throbbing, definite signs of the horse-disease Laminitis.
Laminitis or FounderLaminitis is a horse-disease that refers to a painful condition of the horse's hoof. The substance that connects the hoof wall to the coffin bone is called Laminae. The swelling of the Laminae which is what causes the pain is called Laminitis. When an advanced case of Laminitis is present it can lead to the rotation of the coffin bone which is known as founder.Causes Mechanical causes refers to something that has changed the normal function of a horses movement. For example: improper shoeing, injury, working on hard surfaces, etc Signs Treatment In the early stages of laminitis soaking the feet in ice water has been shown to have a positive effect. 
Navajo had the beginning signs of Laminitis but there was no radiographic sign of founder or rotation of the coffin bone. We put him in a stall for a few days on very soft bedding. A very low carbohydrate diet was started. Anti-inflammatory were given in small doses as he is a small pony. This helped decrease the inflammation which in turn allowed better circulation to the feet. His hooves were iced every 3 hours throughout the day and night. This was done until all signs of heat and throbbing were gone. Fortunately with early detection and immediate attention to some horse-diseases it is possible to mitigate their long term effects. Navajo's laminitis was not allowed to advance beyond the preliminary stages. Today Navajo is back to his happy healthy self but……he is on a VERY strict diet. Quotes for a Pony Day
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