Snow balling

[diamondrockharvey]

How do you stop the snow crating ice blocks of shod horse's feet?? Mine live out 24/7 one shod one not. The shod horse had ice blocks for feet this morning. I have picked them out and smothered Vaseline over them. Any other ideas???

 

[Turitea]

The only way to prevent snow balling in shod horses longterm is this
http://horsian.smugmug.com/Horse/Health/Hoof-grip/19069227_zS8vS6#!i=444143349&k=SFZtnFP

Other alternatives are hoof boots (instead of shoes) or unshod.

 

[Fransurrey]

Vaseline was what I used to use, or Effol gunk. Both wore off after a few hours,though.

 

[Bertolie]

WD40!

 

[diamondrockharvey]

Thanks all, I am so worried about him slipping over.....will be back out there soon to pick them out again and re apply the Vaseline.......not sure about WD 40 would that be safe to put on hooves??

 

[Polos Mum]

When mine was shod in the bad snow we had 2 years ago this was a concern, my farrier was dealing with a huge about of tendon injuries after the snow where the balls had caused lots of horses to slip/ strain trying to stay upright.
I kept mine in an let them out for a few hours at a time when I was around to keep an eye.

 

[Beausmate]

Olde fashionde method was to use goose fat. Lard might work too.

 

[Turitea]

The link I posted above has nothing to do with me. I only intended to show how we counter this problem in Germany. All farriers in Germany are familiar with "snow grips" and most of the shod horses are fitted them in winter. Are farriers familiar with them in the UK? Fair enough if not, usually you do not have this much snow and it wouldn't be worth it.

 

[asmp]

Confess I tried lard this morning as didn't have any Vaseline at home and nothing suitable at the yard. Going to find out in a minute if it worked!

 

[olderthanshelooks]

Goose fat, slap it on liberally it works wonders. I only needed to apply it once a day. Fab for protecting against mud fever to

 

[Skippys Mum]

Turitea, I have never seen or even heard of snow grips like these before!

 

[Turitea]

It is more or less standard for shod horses in winter here. Works in any kind of snow. I also used to add widia pins for extra grip. I kept my horse in Bavaria (lots of snow in the winter).