.png){kind=small}
Capturing a high-quality, consistent hoof photos is crucial for tracking hoof health effectively. Factors such as the horse’s stance, environment, and photographer positioning all contribute to the clarity and accuracy of the photo. While photo distortion—where the image warps due to perspective—is inevitable, a few techniques can reduce distortion significantly. Barncat's AR Hoof Photo feature guides you through this process for the best results.
Step #1: Find the Right Location
The area where you take hoof photos is just as important as the photo itself. Ensuring the location is safe and well-prepared helps the process go smoothly for both you and the horse. Here’s what to look for:
A safe area for both you and the horse.
Well-lit conditions for better visibility.
A level surface to ensure accurate angles.
Clutter-free surroundings for unobstructed views.
Swept clean floors to prevent debris from showing in the photos.
Step #2: Ensure Your Horse Is Standing Square and Balanced
Achieving a perfectly square stance may take practice, but it is important for clear and useful hoof photos. Here’s what you should aim for:
Get your horse as square as possible. Not all horses are naturally capable of standing square, so practice and patience are key.
Ensure the horse is not tipping forward onto their forehand, as this can distort the view of hoof angles, making it hard to evaluate.
Step #3: Position Yourself Perpendicular to the Limb
Accurate photos require the right shooting angle. Visualize the horse's skeletal structure within the leg and stand perpendicular to the limb for the best perspective. If the horse’s legs are slightly toed in or out, adjust your angle accordingly.
Step #4: Lower Your Phone to the Ground
To minimize photo distortion, you need to lower your phone as close to the hoof as possible. Ideally, your phone should be on the same level as the hoof. If squatting or holding your phone low is challenging, do your best. The closer your phone is to hoof level, the more consistent and useful the photos will be for tracking changes over time.
Step #5: Follow the On-Screen Guidance
Barncat’s AR technology provides live, on-screen guidance to ensure perfect photo alignment. Here’s how it helps:
Crosshairs: Align these to ensure your phone is level and at zero degrees of tilt (forward and backward).
Shadow Cutout: This tool helps center the hoof in every photo for consistency.
Final Step: Review and Save Your Photos
Once you’ve taken the four hoof photos (left front, left hind, right front, right hind), review them for consistency. The Barncat app allows you to easily retake any photos that are not clear or consistent, and you can save them for future reference. By saving the photos to your timeline, you can conveniently revisit them and compare hoof changes over time.
Barncat makes it easier than ever to track your horse’s hoof health with step-by-step instructions and cutting-edge AR technology. Download the app today to start capturing accurate and professional hoof photos.
Comments