A step by step guide to poulticing a hoof!
I like to keep a basic poultice kit together. The tub also comes in handy to give you a flat surface on which to create the gaffer tape sheet.
A dental syringe can be helpful to be able to squirt antibacterial spray into any holes in the frog or any difficult to get at places.
1. Prepare your supplies
You need:
- A nappy – the right size for the hoof
- Vet wrap
- Gaffer tape
- Scissors
Antibacterial spray and a dental syringe make good optional extras!
2. Soak the hoof
If your horse will stand in a bucket, it can help to soak the foot in warm water for 20mins – I also added a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts.
3. Create a gaffer tape sheet
While the hoof is soaking, prepare the gaffer tape sheet on a flat surface by creating a square overlaying tape one way, then overlaying again the other way to make sure there is a strong, double thickness sheet.
Make some cuts as per the red lines as this will give you tabs to help attaching to the hoof.
4. Apply the Nappy and Vet Wrap
Place the nappy over the hoof covering it completely and hold in place with the vet wrap.
5. Cover with Gaffer Tape Sheet
Attach the gaffer tape pad, using the tabs you made to fold around and make a neat water tight boot.
6. Add More Gaffer Tape
As the weather was wet, I continued with tape a little further up the leg but make sure you can fit your fingers under the tape at the top as you don’t want it too tight.
7. Stand Back and Admire
And there you have a neat, strong, watertight poultice that will stay in place!