Using Keratex hoof hardener and Magic Cushion together???

[danacat]

I am transitioning my new horse to barefoot. He’s doing great – have been using Keratex. But we’re going to be getting some single digit temperatures in the next few days and I’m sure he will be happier in boots for turn-out on such frozen ground.

I’m thinking of using Magic Cushion just to keep the boots from getting funky – would like to leave them on for at least 24 hours if not longer. I have done this successfully in the past with a different horse who needed boots 24/7 and the Magic Cushion was excellent for preventing funk even when boots were on for a couple of days straight.

But… I have no idea if Magic Cushion plays well together with Keratex. Do they compliment each other – or will the combo have some ill effect like the MC undoing the hardening provided by the Keratex or some other reaction?

Thoughts?

[S1969]

I would never put Magic Cushion in hoof boots unless I was prepared to throw them away afterwards. You’ll never get it out and they will be sticky forever - it won’t wash out.

I wouldn’t be that worried about funky boots if it’s only going to be a short stretch. It’s not ideal but it’s winter. I’d be more concerned about ice though - what kind of boots? Some are not great in ice and can be dangerous. We’re getting freezing rain right now so I’d be careful.

[danacat]

@S1969

I would never put Magic Cushion in hoof boots unless I was prepared to throw them away afterwards. You’ll never get it out and they will be sticky forever - it won’t wash out.

I wouldn’t be that worried about funky boots if it’s only going to be a short stretch. It’s not ideal but it’s winter. I’d be more concerned about ice though - what kind of boots? Some are not great in ice and can be dangerous. We’re getting freezing rain right now so I’d be careful.

I’m using Easy Boot epics. They seem to work well on ice unless the paddock is a skating rink. With all this rain I’m not sure what it will look like out there once we get that hard freeze. Might be a non turn-out situation.

And you’re so right, MC is the stickiest stuff on earth. But by using a conservative amount and then covering with paper, the boots don’t get that bad + I keep a few pairs for MC use only. Might not bother with the stuff though for such a short stretch as you said.

[Scribbler]

Keratex is formeldahyde and magic cushion is I believe pine tar and ground scraps of leather? Can’t see how they’d interact. But I d assume the keratex would blast any orgsnisims out of the stratosphere so probably you don’t need both?

[danacat]

@Scribbler

But I d assume the keratex would blast any orgsnisims out of the stratosphere so probably you don’t need both?

Good point. Overkill.

[hoopoe]

formaldahyde is a disinfectant by its nature. I assume you mean funk = infection // thrush / bacteria?

I am not familiar with Magic cushion, itself but would not hesitate to use boots over a Keratex foot alone

[Scribbler]

If you wanted an extra boost you could spray the frog with iodine.

[stb]

When I use hoof boots I sprinkle them liberally with medicated foot powder.

[danacat]

@stb

When I use hoof boots I sprinkle them liberally with medicated foot powder.

I do too – Gold Bond. Works great! But was hoping to give this horse a little extra ‘cushion’ too as all my hoof boot pads are pretty shot – flattened out. Couldn’t get new ones in time.

[stb]

I don’t see why the magic cushion wouldn’t work. I have considered using it in boots for one of my horses. Haven’t done it yet, but the plan is to pack magic cushion and then put the horse in the stall for a while so that the shavings cover the cushion while it’s packing down and drying out a bit. After that I would think it would be ok in a hoof boot. If you try I would love to know how it works.