Hard to soak a hoof?

[Sondra]

My farrier suggested that we soak Winston's front hoof once per week in a mixture of water, epsom salts, and bleach (very little) to clear up some bacteria that is under his shoe. Since the shoe is watertight it may not even work, but if a bit of the solution can get sweezed under the shoe, it should help.
Question: We have never done this before. How likely is it that he will keep his hoof in the container? How likely is it that I will be running in circles? How likely is it that I will be wearing the solution? :eek:
Any helpful hints are welcomed!

[Sam and Blake]

:D i used to have to do this with my pony because she had seedy toe.i just used to pick her hoof up, slip a bucket under then gently lower it in, not just drop it.then held her knee so she cudnt bend it to lift her leg.try and keep the water as slow as possible so she doesnt get her leg wet just her hoof.good luck and yes you probably wil get it over you too hehe :D

edited to add you could also pick up the other hoof so she cant lift the other one out.if she does try shell probly knock the solution over lol

[KarinUS]

Can you afford getting a soaking boot? They are about US$24.

EasySoaker (http://www.easycareinc.com/prod/ebproductInfo_soaker.aspx)

[Pickles]

When I tub a foot before polticing I use a low rubber feed bowl so if the horse jumps it can remove it's foot without scaring itself.

[Sondra]

Wow! I didn't know that they made a soaker boot!!! I'll try the bucket once, but if it does not work I'll be thrilled to have an alternative.
Thanks very much

[Miriam]

Thankfully I've been luckily enough not to have to do it but I know horses that have had to have it done. Same thing that has been suggested. A feed bucket. Some horses are very good and just accept it others you have to keep putting the foot back in

[Bebe]

If you can find one an old car inner tube works well for soaking. You just cut it to length, use tons of duct tape to secure one end (it helps if you fold it back on itself) & prevent water getting out. Then you just slide the horses hoof into it, pull it well up the leg and pour in the water.

I found this much easier than using a rubber bucket when I've had to soak.

[MelanieD]

If you do have to use a bucket instead of boot it's not too difficult to teach a horse to stand in a bucket. Put foot in bucket, immediately start inserting polos into horse, if foot comes out of bucket stop inserting polos. Took my fatty about 10 mins to learn that foot in a bucket is a good thing and means mints are on the way.

[Jakes Mum]

I tried the bucket method when I had to soak Jakes feet once but it wasn't very successful, I did it in his stable whilst he was eating but he wouldn't stand still long enough. So I used a canvas poultice (a lot cheaper than the soaking boots) not quite as water proof but with cotton wool in the bottom with the soaking liquid poured in, it did the job excellent.