Smarty's 4 week update

                                       
                                          
Like Ella, Smarty has now been here 4 weeks. Unlike Ella, he had a heel first landing when he arrived so we were not expecting to see such big changes in his feet as in hers.                                          

Comparing the two photos, as usual his initial photos are on the top and the most recent photos below.  In the most recent photo his foot looks to have a shorter toe and slightly stronger heel but as his feet were in reasonably good shape on arrival there is no dramatic change.
                                           
                                         
                                           
Looking at the comparison photos you can tell that the front right hasn't had a dramatic change but slowly strengthening up.
                                          

                                          
The digital cushion is developing which is a good sign, although again he was starting in a better place than many of the horses who come here.

                                          

                                          
Comparing Smarty's first photos to his up to date photos you can tell that the angle of the toe is slightly changing to be more in line with the heel of the foot and again his toe is shortening.

                                           
With both Smarty and Ella I would not be surprised if they developed more medial support as they both have slightly toe in stances at the moment.
                                           
As you can see his left foot has made some changes. The frog has gained some mass and is more defined.
                                       
Although the changes are subtle, his digital cushion is stronger than it was and his frog is more developed, with a lower heel.
                                        
Smarty's comparison footage is here: https://vimeo.com/390279224

Video clips to measure progress

As Ella has been here for 3 weeks we have taken updated footage to track her progress. When she arrived her landing was flat/toe first (the still above it taken from her initial footage). This is the most common landing among horses on arrival and it is associated with pain and injury in the palmar hoof. 

Recording horses is a cheap, effective and repeatable way of monitoring how they are landing and whether their movement and soundness is improving, so its a very important tool for us. 

When a horse is landing like Ella was, its not safe to work them on hard surfaces but Ella has been able to work in the arena. She has also spent the majority of her time on the tracks which is an important way to build palmar hoof strength.

Now she has a much better landing on her right front foot and her left foot, though not as consistent, is also making progress.

Ella's full footage is here: https://vimeo.com/388826347 and there will be more updates over the next few weeks.