Does your horse have a hoof bruise or abscess that needs help healing? Your veterinarian will likely recommend applying a poultice to the bottom of the foot to reduce inflammation and, in the case of an abscess, “draw out” the infection. In this guide, we’ll demonstrate—step-by-step—how to properly apply a poultice to a horse’s foot to give him some relief during healing.
Gather Your Supplies
To create an effective poultice, you’ll need the following items:
- Betadine- or iodine-based solution or gel as an antiseptic.
- Epsom salts, which are osmotic agents that will help draw out the infection.
- Latex gloves.
- Elastikon on Vetrap.
- Cotton.
- Scissors.
- Duct tape.
Create a Duct Tape Lattice
First, you’ll want to make a patch of duct tape that you’ll apply to the bottom of the horse’s hoof to secure the poultice and keep the foot dry. Cut six to eight strips of duct tape that are approximately 6 inches long. Overlap them, one by one, until they form a square wide enough to cover the sole of your horse’s foot. Then, cut six to eight more strips and overlap them crosswise atop the patch you just made. Set the resulting “lattice” aside in a clean dry place that’s easy to reach once you start applying the poultice.
Alternatively, you can use a hoof boot or cover in place of duct tape. These come at an added cost, however, and must fit just right to avoid coming off or rubbing your horse’s skin.
How to Apply Poultice to a Horse’s Foot: Step by Step
Gather all your poultice items in one easy-to-reach, clean spot. Then, follow these steps:
- Pick out the hoof so it’s completely clean and dry.
- Lift up your horse’s foot, and apply the Betadine solution or an iodine-based gel, followed by Epsom salts or an osmotic drawing agent. Do not set the foot back down yet.
- Apply a piece of cotton to the bottom of the foot to just above the heel bulbs to prevent rubbing.
- Still holding the hoof, wrap Elastikon around it completely to hold the cotton, Betadine solution, and Epsom salts in place.
- Apply the duct tape lattice to the sole, folding the edges up around the hoof wall before placing the foot back down on the ground.
- With scissors, cut a notch into the Elastikon at the coronary band to ensure it’s not applying to much pressure.
- Wrap a few additional strips of duct tape around the foot to help hold the poultice in place. Also reinforce the toe with additional strips of duct tape, since this is the area horses typically wear through first.
Next Steps
Ideally, you want to keep your horse in a dry stall or pen so the poultice stays on as long as possible. Done properly, it should last three to four days. If conditions are wet or moist, you can add another layer of Elastikon outside the duct tape to keep the poultice from slipping off. If you have any questions or concerns about the poulticing process, reach out to your veterinarian.
How-To Video
Related Reading:
- Everything You Need to Know About Horse Hoof Abscesses
- Managing a Horse With Sore Feet
- How to Pack a Horse’s Foot
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