Kingsley's Barefoot Rehab update + VIDEO

Kingsley continues to grow a hoof of a very different angle to the one he had while shod.

Below is a screenshot from Rockley Farm's blog so if you would like to enlarge photos please visit Nic's blog: http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/2010/11/solomon-and-kingsley.html

One thing I find very interesting with Kingsley's hooves is that they have been changing a lot throughout the year we had him.

Have a look at the below photo (I zoomed the feet but left the full caption too so you can see the entire horse and the position he is in as it does changes the way he weight loads his feet).

The above photo was taken shortly after Kingsley's purchase in September 2009 and while he was already unsound. Although the toes are very long and he already has some event lines (not visible due to blurring of the photo) there are no deep ridges he developed later, possibly due to medications?

I don't want to speculate too much without having the knowledge but it is very fascinating to note how much the shape of his feet has changed. Different trimming and shoeing has certainly influenced those changes but now that the nature takes it turn it seems that the shape and the hoof/pastern angle are changing yet again.

Sometimes I wish we could just fast forward the growing time as I am really anxious to see if this new shape helps with re-educating the movement pattern!

And Video Update - look how much straighter his spine is! When I saw this I almost cried!

I have never before seen him walking with his spine and tail aligned in a straight line, his back has always been rigid and tense as a result. There are some little changes in the confidence in his steps and of course hind limb straightness has improved a lot too but the difference in the spinal column is the best of all to me. This has been my worry all together - that he is so crooked as a result of compensation that he won't be able to move straight again. And here we go...

Kingsley update from Nic Barker on Vimeo.