Best way to remove magic cushion from hoof

[reithme2]

My OTTB has already pulled a shoe back to back this spring leaving his hoof in less than ideal shape. Farrier and I have decided to try glue ons for the first time (first time for horse, not farrier). She had to order glue on shoes for him so he’s been in a hoof boot for a few days packed with magic cushion. Farrier comes out tomorrow mid morning to put glue on shoes and wants him inside with dry feet.

How can i easily get the magic cushion off his hoofs without spraying/scrubbing with soap? Im realizing I’ve never really tried to remove from hoof before so not sure of the best options.

Im actually doing chores at the barn in the morning so thinking I can pull boot at 6am, remove magic cushion and hope it dries by 10:30 farrier appt? I could also go to the barn tonight to pull boot and remove magic cushion but much less convenient given prior commitments.

Any thoughts/ideas?

[Training_Cupid]

I can’t ever seem to get the sticky residue off my hands, but it comes out of my horse’s hoof easily enough just with normal hoof picking.

[Scribbler]

Pick it out then go trot in sand or just turnout in sand. Nothing like sand to scour out a horse’s hoof!

[PeteyPie]

I know that sticky residues from sales tags can be removed with vegetable oil, so that might work. Of course, then you have to clean off the vegetable oil.

[Haylter]

just pick it out. leave the rest up to farrier

[PNWjumper]

You guys are forgetting the tried and tested method that is far easier than putting work into it. Just wear white breeches anywhere near the vicinity of the horse. Done! :lol:

But in all seriousness, I would pull the boot tonight and you should be good to go by tomorrow morning. Magic Cushion on a hind foot because of a pulled shoe is probably a bit unnecessary anyway.

[walkinthewalk]

Agree with PNWjumper to pull the boot tonight, as I’ll bet you’re going to have a heck of a time getting the boot off.

you should be able to pick the Magic Cushion out with a hoof pick, although walking in sand isn’t a bad idea:)

i get Magic Cushion off my hands with rubbing alcohol. But don’t use alcohol on the sole as you would risk getting it down in the frog where it could burn.

[24eventer]

WD40 and alcohol. Works great. Will get it off of you and the horse’s hair too if necessary. Still takes some elbow grease especially on the hair but it will work.

[firefoot]

I feel like I remember my farrier always saying to leave the foot bare or just pack in epsom salt for 24 hours before gluing because other ingredients in packs like Magic Cushion, etc., will compromise the glue. I’d pull the Magic Cushion today and leave him barefoot or just in dry epsom salt for the night. You definitely want to give the glue the best chance to set.

ETA I have alcohol in the past and think it worked pretty well. Anything oily would also probably work.

[reithme2]

I wasnt able to make it to the barn the night before the shoeing but had the BM pull the boot which was enough for the magic cushion to wear out in his stall/easily picked, brushed off when I was out Friday AM.

Previously, when I’d pulled his boot the magic cushion was sticking to his foot a lot, I’m guessing because the boot locked in moisture, which is why I was immediately concerned with the timeline and glue on shoeing scheduled. This was a front foot and horse is a sensitive type is very sore when he pulls a front shoe so magic cushion really helps!

Horse is now in glue ons and after the immediate sticker shock all appears well. All fingers and toes crossed that he keeps them on as we are only projected for more rain in the coming week…

Thanks!