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hhhorse
08 Jan 2010 17:40
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Hello! I put my mare out in all but the most adverse weather conditions (well rugged up) and would like advice regarding prevention of compacted ice in feet. As I cannot exercise her I am keen to put her out in her field and let her stretch her muscles and have a roll about in the snow. I am, however, concerned when she teeters in from the field wearing 4-5 inch platform shoes made of ice! Before I leave the field and lead her in I use a hoof pick and with enormous effort chip away at the ice until her soles are ice-free. By the time we get to her stable the problem is as bad as before. Any suggestions welcome!
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Horse Hero Guru
08 Jan 2010 18:17
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Hi hhhorse
There are two ways to stop ice compacting in your horse’s feet. One is to remove the shoes. Bare footed horses do not get the same build up as the shape of the sole prevents it from happening.
However, since we all hope that the cold snap will end soon, the usual way is to pack the horse’s feet with oil (traditionally butter was used, but I think that is a bit extravagant these days) so that the ice slides out more easily. Any oil or grease should do, although ideally you want something that will stick to your horse’s foot rather than to the first lump of ice that falls out.
Have an experiment with various oils and greases – and let us know which ones (if any) work.
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hhhorse
10 Jan 2010 18:31
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Thankyou for your helpful reply. I used some out-of-date cooking oil on my mares soles this morning prior to turning her out. I liberally applied it using an old sponge. The ice was compacted as usual, front worse than rear feet,when I brought her in this afternoon.Will try again tomorrow using some lard and will report back!
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Horse Hero Guru
12 Jan 2010 13:15
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After some experimentation I have had the best results with white petroleum jelly (vaseline)!
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hhhorse
13 Jan 2010 12:13
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"After some experimentation I have had the best results with white petroleum jelly (vaseline)!"
Thank you! Will go and get some vaseline because have not had any success using cooking oils or lard!
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christina
18 Jan 2010 11:03
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Friends in Canada swear by spray cooking oil, super easy to apply as well.
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