The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Help with ice in hoof

3K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  cowgirlfitzy 
#1 ·
So its been so cold and snowy here :-( and I am having the hardest time getting the ice balls out of my horses front hoofs. I fell in the driveway and bruised my tailbone so my strength is not up to par but I need some tricks for getting these big ice hoofs clean. ALSO, the horse in the avatar is new only been with us for about 3 weeks and he is very resistant to pick up his back hoofs...... but he will. When he does should I give him a treat. Never had a problem with my other guys picking up hoofs....so I am new to this problem.
Thanks
Trying to stay warm
Lizz
 
#3 ·
I use Vaseline on my horses hooves. It helps keep them from building up and what does build up is easy to get out then with a pick.
As for the other horse..I don't like to use treats always as a reward because it can make them nippy. Not always..but it can.. So, if it were me as soon as he picked it up I'd release it gently and praise him a lot to let him know that that was the right thing to do. Itch him in his favorite spot and tell him good boy!
 
#4 ·
Good advise, I'm going to try the Pam :D
As far as treats, I would for sure give lots of pets and "good boys" for picking up the rears. I don't give cookies for picking up feet just love :wink:
 
#5 ·
Vaseline really works- it's a charm! :D I've never tried the PAM though...hmm, that sounds like a good idea. When I go out to the barn today (later, since it's still bad weather, she's prolly still in the barn) I will check Daytona's feet!
 
#6 ·
I've had better results with Vaseline than I have with Pam. With Vaseline, it lasts at least 2 days before the snow starts building up again, with Pam, I had to do it AT LEAST twice a day everyday for it to become effective. Maybe it's different in our region where it rarely gets above zero during the winter and average around 5 feet of snow haha
 
#7 ·
I wonder if it would work on hard pack limestone. We have lots of limestone here (the stuff thats in concrete) sometimes they get a hard enough pack it will bend and break a hoof pick.
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys I am going to try the Pam today. Thanks for the advice on lakota big ol thug doesn't like to pick up the back feet. Silly boy

Lizz
 
#12 ·
Everyone gave great advice! I'm going to have to try the vaseline idea too, since I have the same problem with ice in Jubi's hooves. :)
 
#13 ·
W-D-40 Works good too. It conditions the hoof as well and keeps moisture in.

For the back feet I would pick them up then put them down right away. Then just gradually increase the time until he is comfortable. You could could give him a good rub on the neck or butt for praise. I wouldn't recomemd treats especially with geldings and stallions.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top