Hoof Armour users please

[SEL]

Can I ask how long you leave it to cure for once you've sprinkled on the talc? Ponies will be in overnight this week due to flooded field so will try and get another layer on the microcob but she'll be wanting to go out.

Any idea on how many tarmac miles you get from an application?

 

[lynz88]

I literally put my first application on my guy on Friday night. Not sure if helpful but waited for him to be in for a few hours (he's on mats and shavings) before attempting. He's in all night so would have had all night to set. I assumed it's worked well as he was striding out when I brought him in yesterday and today and I normally need to get after him (one of the girls on the yard said he dragged her to the field on Sat morning which he never does. Not sure if related).

I think it lasts a couple of weeks before needing a new application or when they have had their feet done. Not sure if footing makes a difference to that or not so am also interested.

 

[gunnergundog]

How longs a bit of string? Too many variables to give an answer. Depends on the surface the horse is traversing, depends on the weighting of each individual hoof placement as well as any limb distortion. Also, depends on the application of the hoof armour - the temperature etc.

 

[Zoeypxo]

I contacted them and they said to leave in a stable for about an hour post application then you can turn out/ride.
Didnt make any difference for mine sadly

 

[SEL]

I contacted them and they said to leave in a stable for about an hour post application then you can turn out/ride.
Didnt make any difference for mine sadly

Brilliant - thank you.

 

[motherof2beasts!]

I’ve literally just started using it too , only did application Friday but I wouldn’t say his soles look coated or shiny so not sure if it actually stayed on …

 

[lynz88]

I suspect it's a "dull shine" and mine didn't look like he had super shiny feet either (it looked like there might be something there) but is hard to tell with all the mud, even after cleaning feet. Does anyone know how well it withstands digging into feet with a hoofpick (again, will all the mud we have going on....)?

 

[lynz88]

I did a second application tonight as it didn't look like there was anything on his feet anymore. I realized I had bought baby powder to put on his feet after putting the goo on which I assumed was talc and just realized it is not....I only looked because after I did his feet tonight, it looked like a fair bit of hay was sticking to his feet and when I picked up his feet, it looked like some of the powder hadn't stuck. Does anyone know if talc vs Johnson & Johnson baby powder acts the same?

(Edited because autocorrect sucks and my post made no sense!!) (BTW that should say "goo" and not "good" it has changed it in the message box but not on my actual posting)

 

[Pinkvboots]

I keep in for about 2 hours after applying and if your doing alot of road work I would apply 2 thin applications 24 hours apart.

You might get 3 or 4 weeks protection just depends.

I only buy a cheap baby powder and it works fine you need to smother it with a thick layer.

You may have put too much hoof armour on several thin coats are better than a thick one or it peels.

 

[expanding_horizon]

I did a second application tonight as it didn't look like there was anything on his feet anymore. I realized I had bought baby powder to put on his feet after putting the goo on which I assumed was talc and just realized it is not....I only looked because after I did his feet tonight, it looked like a fair bit of hay was sticking to his feet and when I picked up his feet, it looked like some of the powder hadn't stuck. Does anyone know if talc vs Johnson & Johnson baby powder acts the same?

(Edited because autocorrect sucks and my post made no sense!!) (BTW that should say "goo" and not "good" it has changed it in the message box but not on my actual posting)

Baby powder is talc? Use loads. And feet need to be bone dry & clean before apply it (poo / wee in stable or mud a problem).

I use wire brush, old towels and if really stuck duct tape nappies to feet to dry.

I find can’t really see it next day but foot feels very different to pick out as it’s much harder coated. You’ll see what I mean! I use on heel bulbs and frog too in wet weather.

Wear old clothes as any drips stain for good. I ruined multiple items before I set up hoof armour clothes!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Baby powder is talc? Use loads. And feet need to be bone dry & clean before apply it (poo / wee in stable or mud a problem).

I use wire brush, old towels and if really stuck duct tape nappies to feet to dry.

I find can’t really see it next day but foot feels very different to pick out as it’s much harder coated. You’ll see what I mean! I use on heel bulbs and frog too in wet weather.

Wear old clothes as any drips stain for good. I ruined multiple items before I set up hoof armour clothes!

Agree! My poor favourite coat had snail trails that looked really grim and stiff after, I didn’t think I’d got it on me at all but it was ruined.

 

[lynz88]

It used to be talc but after doing a Google, it turns out the ingredients were changed by numerous brands because it was found to cause cancer. You can still get talc baby powder but doesn't seem to be the everyday stuff you find on shelves in Boots. I have found some actual talc powder so will give it a try. I did absolutely douse his feet in the baby powder but much of it seemed to come off when he put his feet down. His feet were absolutely bone dry on Friday as well as tonight and used a wire brush before putting on both times. Good to know it isn't 'visible' so maybe I have done it correctly I have put on frog and heel bulbs as well given the state of his feet in general (which are still miles better than they were).

I did manage to get some on my skin tonight and definitely felt like glue but managed to scratch it off. Definitely sticky stuff!

 

[Gloi]

I’ve literally just started using it too , only did application Friday but I wouldn’t say his soles look coated or shiny so not sure if it actually stayed on …

If it looks like you can see more than a shine to the surface the layer is too thick. Best to do two thin layers than a thick one.
Drying time is a lot quicker in summer than winter. I tend to leave it overnight because I put it on before I'm leaving the stables but it doesn't need that long. I'd say an hour in winter and 30mins in summer before going in the mud.

It doesn't actually really matter what you put on afterwards, it's just to stop the foot sticking to the floor or wiping it off. In summer when it's dry I just put the feet down on the sand and that is fine.

 

[lynz88]

Ahhh thanks for the clarity Gloi. Clearly a newbie with this stuff

 

[expanding_horizon]

It used to be talc but after doing a Google, it turns out the ingredients were changed by numerous brands because it was found to cause cancer. You can still get talc baby powder but doesn't seem to be the everyday stuff you find on shelves in Boots. I have found some actual talc powder so will give it a try. I did absolutely douse his feet in the baby powder but much of it seemed to come off when he put his feet down. His feet were absolutely bone dry on Friday as well as tonight and used a wire brush before putting on both times. Good to know it isn't 'visible' so maybe I have done it correctly I have put on frog and heel bulbs as well given the state of his feet in general (which are still miles better than they were).

I did manage to get some on my skin tonight and definitely felt like glue but managed to scratch it off. Definitely sticky stuff!

Any inert powder works -cornflower / talc / baby powder.

You apply with hoof held up. Pat dry with gloved hand. Repeat until underside of foot with hoof armor on no longer sticky / fully dry. You don’t expect any talc to particularly stay on foot once on floor. It’s just to stop hoof armor coming off on floor or bedding sticking en mass to foot.

 

[Jambarissa]

I use flour, in my nice posh flour shaker

I haven't used for ages because feet aren't growing and I like to apply after a trim. I'm going to have to do it though, will try the nappy route to get the feet dry.

 

[Cragrat]

If it looks like you can see more than a shine to the surface the layer is too thick. Best to do two thin layers than a thick one.
Drying time is a lot quicker in summer than winter. I tend to leave it overnight because I put it on before I'm leaving the stables but it doesn't need that long. I'd say an hour in winter and 30mins in summer before going in the mud.

It doesn't actually really matter what you put on afterwards, it's just to stop the foot sticking to the floor or wiping it off. In summer when it's dry I just put the feet down on the sand and that is fine.

Exactly this

If you put it on too thick, it tends to peel off in lumps. If it's nice and thin, it bonds to the outer layer of sole and is pretty much invisible after a day or two.

Any fine dust works - just be very liberal with it. I once ran out, scrabbled for some dust from the floor but couldn't reach much. For some stupid reason I thought an old bit of turnout rug would stop it sticking to the floor. It stuck to the rug instead, and peeled all the hoof armour off in one piece :/

 

[lynz88]

Omg flour would be even cheaper

 

[expanding_horizon]

Exactly this

If you put it on too thick, it tends to peel off in lumps. If it's nice and thin, it bonds to the outer layer of sole and is pretty much invisible after a day or two.

Any fine dust works - just be very liberal with it. I once ran out, scrabbled for some dust from the floor but couldn't reach much. For some stupid reason I thought an old bit of turnout rug would stop it sticking to the floor. It stuck to the rug instead, and peeled all the hoof armour off in one piece :/

100% this with the thickness, less really is more. I can get 8-10 or more large sized hooves covered (to include heel bulbs, frog, sole and 1-2cm up outside hoof wall) from one tube. Makes it slightly more affordable! Part of the trick is to prep all 4 feet first so clean and dry, and use same nozzle for all four feet, so dont waste product in nozzle each time change nozzle for a new foot. If you do get delayed between feet, squeezing dispenser to dispense a waste drop to keep it from drying up works.

 

[expanding_horizon]

Agree! My poor favourite coat had snail trails that looked really grim and stiff after, I didn’t think I’d got it on me at all but it was ruined.

Yes I was a slow learner I have ruined 3 items of clothing, thinking I could be careful and the damage is grim looking as you say and IMPOSSIBLE to get off.

I find trousers particularly susceptible to drip as you are smearing hoof armor over hoof.

 

[expanding_horizon]

Other useful thing to know is if below about 10 degrees warm hoof armor cartridge up before using. Putting it down clothing / in trouser pocket works well. And not leaving it outdoors in winter but bringing it outside from indoors when you use it.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Other useful thing to know is if below about 10 degrees warm hoof armor cartridge up before using. Putting it down clothing / in trouser pocket works well. And not leaving it outdoors in winter but bringing it outside from indoors when you use it.

Yes this and make sure it's upright once in the dispenser or it leaks and it makes a terrible mess.

 

[lynz88]

I used the same nozzle for all 4 feet no probs at all both times I've applied.

Loving all of these tips and tricks. And feeling better that in all likelihood, I have applied properly. I do really like the anti bacterial aspect and ability to use on frogs and heel bulbs if I'm honest

 

[poiuytrewq]

This thread has reminded me I bought some for My TB whist he was away as a companion and struggling barefoot.
I never actually used it on him as he was always out in the wet and no where to put him in to dry out.
Now he’s home he is wearing front shoes but has the farrier tomorrow and now stands in more so I must find it out and have a try.

 

[expanding_horizon]

Yes this and make sure it's upright once in the dispenser or it leaks and it makes a terrible mess.

really? Not found this. You put screw lid back on the end, (or leave a nozzle on the end and it solidifies in the nozzle and seals itself) and the other end is sealed by the plunger. Never had it leak part way though using a cartridge. I store mine in a bag rather than on it's end.

 

[Pinkvboots]

really? Not found this. You put screw lid back on the end, (or leave a nozzle on the end and it solidifies in the nozzle and seals itself) and the other end is sealed by the plunger. Never had it leak part way though using a cartridge. I store mine in a bag rather than on it's end.

It leaked out of the cartridge somehow I don't know how it had the nozzle still attached.

 

[Gloi]

really? Not found this. You put screw lid back on the end, (or leave a nozzle on the end and it solidifies in the nozzle and seals itself) and the other end is sealed by the plunger. Never had it leak part way though using a cartridge. I store mine in a bag rather than on it's end.

I pull the plunger part way out again after finishing and this stops it dripping al all.

 

[NR88]

Can it be used on shod horses with soft soles?

 

[Gloi]

Can it be used on shod horses with soft soles?

No reason why not.