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  Discussion on Foot soaking made easier
Author Message
Member:
Gafarm

Posted on Thursday, Mar 11, 2004 - 8:58 am:

For those of you who don't have hot water in your barn. We have found that the small Strongid CX bucket is just the right size for most horse's feet and easier to get them to put their foot in it. I picked up an old coffee maker for $2 at a garage sale and it heats up just enough water to put about 3" in this bucket and I add enough cold water so it's not too hot. It sure is easier than hauling hot water out from the house especially in the winter when it's a lot cooler by the time I get it out to the barn!
Member:
Shirl

Posted on Thursday, Mar 11, 2004 - 10:18 am:

Donald, Brilliant idea. Why didn't I think of that last summer when I was hauling hot water from home for a 11 mile trip for three weeks. ACK. Thanks, hope I don't need it in the future, but then, you know how it goes, I probably will. thanks again, Shirl
Member:
Aannk

Posted on Thursday, Mar 11, 2004 - 11:02 am:

I found the best way to soak a foot is to use a zip lock bag (the large ones). You put the foot in, and zip it up as far as you can. Then, you duct tape it to the leg. Even when the horse moves the foot, it stays attached to the leg. Just make sure you don't put too much water in, just enough to soak up to the top of the foot. Otherwise, it will run out all over.
Alicia
Member:
Cindylou

Posted on Thursday, Mar 11, 2004 - 5:41 pm:

Also-found a company that sells bags that go all the way up the leg-( they are reusable) with tightening straps- that will hold a bungee cord to attach to a saddle-they cost 15.00 a pece= but will last forever, I would think - they are made of very sturdy coded plastic material. Last summer when I was dealing with scratches- had to soak for one hour- which would have been impossible without these boots- the company is called Equine Technologies- and not only do they have a great soak that works wonders for scratches and white line disease- these boots have been a god send for every kind of hoof or sole problem- there number is 508-443- 8078- they were very knowledgeable- and helpful as well.
Member:
Sefiroth

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004 - 10:52 am:

An old tire inner tube works great too, and is probably cheaper. I used one on my percheron who wasn't exactly cooperative about having his foot soaked. They dont tear as easily as plastic, and a little duct tape keeps them in place very well. You just cut a piece about 2-3 feet long (depending on the size of your horse I guess) slip the foot in about half way, fold the bottom portion up over the front of the hoof, tape it up to the rest of the tube, pour in your water and other soaking stuffs. Then tape around the leg on the tube to hold it in place. I fed and hand walked/grazed my percheron with this in place with never a problem. I got a couple of tubes free from a car/truck/tractor tire shop.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004 - 11:37 am:

(I hope this isn't a duplicate post . . . I got a message that something was locked and I needed to wait 5 seconds to resubmit my post . . . but when I backed up a screen . . . my post was gone! Anyway . . . )

Sharon, this is a perfectly wonderful idea and explanation. I rarely need to soak a foot but I will file this innovative way into my memory for future use.

Thanks.
Member:
Sefiroth

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004 - 9:29 pm:

Holly,

If you search for posts by me, I have a long detailed post about my percheron's abscess on this site that shows pictures of the inner tube idea, if you are curious!
Member:
Shirl

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 31, 2004 - 4:16 pm:

Cindy, Re: the soaking boots from Equine Technologies, that number is no longer working. Do you know if they have a web site? thanks, Shirl
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