Reader's Tip

Taking Care of the Hoof!

From Kitten Boyland, Potomac, MD: Snow and ice often ball up and pack heavily into horse's hooves, making it hard for them to walk, and making it impossible to ride your horse outside. Applying plentiful amounts of petroleum jelly to the horse's soles right before you head out of the barn for a ride will prevent snow from packing. Snow and ice also cause cracking to the bulbs of the heel. Petroleum jelly can also act as a good moisturizer for the heels.

From Nancy Henson, Raeford, NC: When a horse has an injury to his/her hoof - be it a stone bruise, abscess, quarter crack - keeping the hoof properly wrapped can be a tough task. Want to know an easy solution? Baby Diapers! Apply your medication to the inside of the diaper, place on hoof and fasten tabs tightly around the pastern. The diaper will encompass the entire hoof. After you apply the diaper, you may opt to place the hoof in an EZBoot, or add duct tape around the hoof for added durability.