Types of Hoof Packing - drying or moisturizing effect?

[BatataHead]

Does anyone know what types of hoof packing would have a drying/toughening vs a moisturizing/softening effect?

I’ve read that clay poultices can cause a foot to get too soft - maybe because of the glycerine typically added (I would think clay on its own would be drying, but glycerine is hygroscopic so would counteract that effect).

Magic cushion - I’ve read it has a toughening and astringent effect, but it is so gooey - I wonder.

Any thoughts? I’m trying to keep some crevices packed to keep a layer between the sole/frog and the nasties that get stuck during monsoon like weather which is creating lots of mud. Don’t want to soften the foot in the process (more than what is already going on with the mud). Mainly trying to keep stuff from sticking in the collateral grooves. Horse is barefoot.

[IPEsq]

If you want something in there that will work when the horse is in mud, I’d look at the more tar like toughening and anti-thrush type ingredients. Things like Forshner’s or Rebound. Possibly MC if not going out immediately into the mud (it does dry some when outside of the tub).

[Scribbler]

Venetian turpentine?

[ChocoMare]

Dry. Always. Hooves should be hard and dry. Softening them up is like pummicing all the callous off your feet and then asking you to walk on gravel…OUCH! Plus, moisture invites two things: Yeast (Fungus) and right behind, Bacteria.

[CFFarm]

I think the Keratex people live in Florida. They make a hoof putty to plug holes. I use their hoof hardener to toughen up and their hoof gel for water resistance.

We always used clay or poultice as a foot packing for drawing heat from the feet not to dry or toughen.

[luvmyhackney]

I have to say, I started using Hoof Armor on my ponies back feet and put shoes on the front. The Hoof armor is doing a really good job helping his back feet grow out by keeping them hard and moisture out. Mud doesn’t get stuck in his feet and I’m overall fairly happy with it. With my ponies work load, it last around 4 weeks and would last longer on a non-abrasive surface. Bluestone was wearing his feet away. He still has good traction as well.

What I’ve been doing is putting a small amount of Magic Cushion in the bottom of the foot and coating with the Hoof Armor. It’s working well for my purpose.

[csaper58]

One of the best ways to dry a horses feet is to let them stand in deep, very dry, saw dust type, wood shavings for a few hours or over night.

Once the foot is dry and the Keratex Hoof Gel is applied it will help seal out moisture. I would not apply it to a foot that is already too wet. Here is their website their cust. service is helpful.

https://keratex.net/hoof_gel/

[BatataHead]

Ok I found exactly what I was looking for! It is called Hypozin. Never heard of it before until I was visiting a friend at her barn and watched her squeeze out some stuff that looked like Desitin on the bottom of her horses foot and smear it around and push it into the grooves etc… It comes in a big fat syringe. She is using it to treat thrush but it makes a great mud/dirt barrier too. I think it is pretty mild/non-toxic (but I can’t find an ingredient list). The cool thing is it does not stay sticky! It kind of dries out and keeps the hoof dry.

I had to order if from an Endurance website - wasn’t cheap for what it is (destin on steroids?). You smear it on the bottom of a clean, dry hoof. It sticks, it dries out and forms a medicated barrier. It does gunk up your hands a little (like desitin) but it does’t stain you purple and green like other stuff.