07518 370 151
%20PNG.png)
Alfie
Name: Alfie
Livery Type: Retirement
Arrival Date: 27th May 2025
Age: 17
Breed: Welsh D
Height: 15hh
Medical Issues: EMS
Rehabilitation: Hoof rehabilitation and EMS
Arrival:
Alfie arrived for some rehab, followed by his retirement, with his friends Robbie and Ruby. This handsome lad has EMS and has had Laminitis in both front feet prior to his arrival. Although he's not overweight, he does have a sizable fat pad across his bottom and in this case, it is quite easy to identify. Bottoms that take on a square look or appear 'lumpy' normally indicate EMS, and for Alfie, this is highlighted further by the crease that forms underneath where its sitting.
With time, we hope to see Alfie's fat pad go, and his general muscle and weight improve with increased movement and a species specific diet.
First trim:
As you can see, Alfie's hooves have some healing to do which we're hopeful will happen whilst on track. He has some separation of the white line, sometimes known as laminitic stretch, which occurs due to Laminitis. With a species appropriate environment in place, we should see this grow out with a healthy white line in its place. As he was also shod previously, his heels are very contracted which should widen gradually over time. Contracted heels can be quite painful and a breeding ground for thrush, so getting his hoof capsule to open up will only help him overall.
29th June 2025:
Although Alfie has only been on track for a very short amount of time, its amazing to see how quickly free movement and a species appropriate diet can start to positively impact the body. Although difficult to see on the photos, his bottom has already begun to soften and reduce slightly, and his shoulder and chest also. With some time, we should see those fat pads melt away and in their place, some muscle.
24th July 2025:
We're seeing some great progress with Alfie's shoulder and bottom. His bottom was the 'lumpiest', most prominent area so the reduction of this fat pad will most likely take longer than other areas of his body. With that being said, there is some definite progress and changes in shape. You should also be able to see that his shoulder has significantly decreased in size. It's too easy to see horses like Alfie and assume they're well muscled but in reality, it's just oddly placed fat that disappears the second they're introduced to regular movement and a species appropriate diet.
When he has lost the remaining puffy areas, with time, we should see the addition of actual muscle, built slowly over time with the right forage, movement and environment in place.
30th October 2025:
Alfie had his trim today and we are beginning to see some great progress with his hooves. We have new healing angle on the outer hoof wall, indicated by the red arrow. This is great sign that everything is growing in tightly, as it should. We still have plenty of white line separation to grow out from an old laminitic episode, but again, this is beginning to get smaller, as you can clearly see from the left and right side, in the quarters. We are seeing the biggest improvements in his heels, and the widening of his hoof capsule. This is done through removing the shoes and allowing the hoof capsule to form unrestricted, through movement and the natural trim.
We're very pleased with his progress so far and can't wait to see how his feet continue to improve.
