navicular fracture- what shoe ?

Question
Hi, Mr. Meyers! Thank you for the past advice you have given us regarding our standardbred pacing colt (2YO) navicular fracture. I am happy to report that after almost 4 months of stall rest at the racetrack, he is doing very well, walking sound, and will soon be turned out for 2 months of R%26R at a friends farm. We currently have him shod with pair of steel eggbar shoes with sideclips, he will remain shod up front during turnout, reset or new shoes every 4 weeks. I need to order more shoes for him, and wondered about the navicular shoes I have seen on farrier sites. Is there a difference shoeing a horse recovering from a navicular fracture, and a horse suffering from navicular syndrome? I am looking at the " Elite Navicular" which is an open shoe, VS the  Kerckhaert Triumph Eggbar... both are aluminum. ( the steel shoes he has on now are a saddle horse shoe, wow are they heavy! We want to switch to a lighter shoe, more comparable to what he would wear if he makes it to the races. Hopeful thinking on my part !   Prior to the fracture, he had a perfect gait, but as he has only been on the walk this past week, we don't know how the fracture will hold up when he is pacing. The track here is quite hard, we have been walking him a mile, 3 times out so far, with a bit of TQ to keep him calm. Thanks for your additional help!

Answer
HELLO KRISTYN...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

Good to hear from you !! Very good to hear about your horse.

I personally would go with the aluminums and a "straight bar". KB %26 GE from a farrier supply makes them. The egg-bar is more to support the tendons and ligaments. The navicular bone rests
basically a 1/2 inch forward of the hind portion of the frog. Alittle past middle of the center of the frog. In laymans terms.
The straight bar rests in a better position to protect the navicular bone. Also when a horse is
worked, there is always a chance to pull off an egg-bar easier.
As I always say...If your ankle needs a cast...don't cast the knee !!

Most so-called-navicular-shoes have wedged heels and rolled toes. All horses DON'T need elevated
heels and farriers can roll/rock to toes to help breakover. In the industry today, it tends to
want to help those who "lack ability" and makes shoes for them so "it will fit all" ??!!
DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK...a qualified farrier will "adapt and over come" and fit the needs of every horse they work on. We are not baking cookies. Each horse must be treated as an individual !!

Glad for your success !!
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.