Poulticing the problem mare

[HOLCHE]

My mare has an abscess and it needs to be poulticed, but I can't get one on her. She is difficult with her hooves at the best of times but we had been making slow progress. But she will not allow me to hold her hoof up for long enough to apply a poultice and bandage.

She pulls back, strikes out and then starts rearing, which is no fun with a 17hh 5 year old. So does anyone have any tips how I can manage this? Would using a nappy make this easier? Unfortunately I can't always have someone to help me hold her, which makes it even more difficult.

 

[Sanolly]

I had a similar problem a few years back and honestly, I gave her ACP! Just enough to keep her quiet and get her abscess gone so it was less time consuming and traumatic for her, after that I went back to normal handling that you were doing beforehand. Just to warn you you'll probably end back at square one for a while afterwards as she'll be sick of you going near her feet!

 

[HOLCHE]

Thanks for that, I'll speak to the vet. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has had this problem.

 

[Janesomerset]

Once she is onto dry poulticing, disposable nappies are MUCH easier!

 

[Sanolly]

Sorry if teaching you to suck eggs here, but remember to give the ACP time to work!

 

[Maesfen]

If she's really that bad, thoroughly wash and dry the foot then spray with blue spray and keep on as clean bed/ground as you can. Spray every day.

 

[brucea]

What I found worked sometimes was "the deal!"

The deal is - you hold your foot up for 10 seconds and I'll scratch your fetlock and heels for 10 seconds - then extend it. But keep up your side of the deal!

Most horsies love to be scratched there!