tools for hoof emergencies

 

Make a hoof care kit for hoof emergencies

 

  • You might want to supplement your horse’s Vet Kit with a hoof care kit – being prepared for supportive measures until your vet and farrier can arrive. Mainly because the hoof is so critical for your horse’s health, and has a way of seeming just fine until it’s not.

 

  • Please call your veterinarian at the first sign of hoof trouble. Many hoof issues look like each other, and early intervention might save your horse a lot of pain and save you a lot of money.

 

 

Things to have for emergency hoof problems

 

Sharpie Pen

 

  • A working sharpie pen in a color that will show up on your horse’s hoof sole and wall. In the rare instance that he steps on a nail or screw, your vet will need to tell you to leave it or pull it. If you pull any screws or nails per your vet’s instructions, you need to mark the spot on his sole where it went in, and also mark the spike to the depth it went in.

 

  • You can also use the sharpie to mark cracks on the hoof wall to determine if they are getting bigger or growing out. 

 

sharpie markers

Not just permanent – SUPER permanent.

 

Boots for icing the hooves

 

  • Now, these aren’t just for laminitis. A horse with a fever, diarrhea, or tender feet after a farrier visit or schooling on the hard ground needs some ice therapy.

 

  • Also, the horse that ran around like a fool on rock hard ground, or the horse with metabolic issues, or the horse that busted into the hay or feed room. Or some way to get and keep ice on the hooves without your horse spending hours in tubs. Boots are easier for everyone.

 

  • Incidentally, any ice holding device will usually double as a way to soak your horse’s hoof. A simple feed tub is clumsy, spills, and large to store, so grab a specially designed soaking boot to have. Many shapes and sizes and budget points are out there. I prefer a model that has a sturdy bottom, and a way to snug up the top.

 

horse in ice boots

 

Horseshoe pulling tools

 

 

farrier tools on the ground

 

Hoof packing.

 

  • Depending on where you live, your horse, and his affinity for various hoof issues, you may choose to have some Epsom salt packing or ichthammol dressing on hand.

 

  • Diapers and disposable gloves (from the Vet Kit) are handy, too. I can vouch that ichthammol is not an easy smell to erase from your skin. More on hoof goops here!

 

ichthammol hoof goop

Reminds me of roofing tar or asphalt.

 

A hoof wrap and pad.

 

  • Lost shoes, abscesses, and other hoof ailments that need to stay dry can benefit from a hoof wrap. These replace the need for a diaper, tape, vet wrap, and the like. The pad supports the naked sole, and will even out his legs so he’s not moving unevenly. Most hoof wraps can also wrap around a diaper if needed to hold in some goopy stuff if you need it.

 

front view of soaking boot on a horse leg

It’s easier than a bucket.

 

Your, your vet, and your farrier are the hoof care team.  Your vet can help with diagnosis, x-rays, and pain medications and your farrier is there to support the hoof as it heals with shoes, a different balance, wedges, and more.  Get everyone together. 

 

 

go shopping button for horse products

 

These fantastic links can hook you up with everything you need to make a hoof care kit for your horse. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are not a penny more for you. I couldn’t be more grateful for your support!

 

Durasole – for hoof hardening

 

CleanTrax helps with white line disease and hoof infections.

 

White Lightning for hoof infections in a soaking kit

 

White Lightning Gel

 

Uptite Poultice

 

Ice Horse Pair of Tendon Leg Wraps for Equine Therapy – Comes with 4 Ice Packs

 

These ice packs make for easy cooling of your horse’s legs and hooves. They last for hours.

This tall boot can be filled with ice or ice packs to help the horse with laminitis.

 

These affordable boots can be filled with ice to help your horse.

 

 

Cavallo Simple Hoof Boot for Horses, Black – thick-soled hoof boot for riding and hoof wrapping.

 

EasyCare Easyboot Glove Soft Hoof Boot – these boots are designed for riding, not hoof packing, and have a more precise fit.

 

These Cloud boots are great for the horse that needs extra cushion, like the horse with laminitis

 

 

Hoof Wraps Easy Soaker with pads

 

 

Hoof Wraps Brand Bandage – Affordable wrap for hoof protection

 

Ichthammol salve for wounds and hoof issues.

 

Bright green salt poultice for hooves.

 


Thank you!