Stockholm Tar!

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Mary1993

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It's that time of year again!!

So my horse has had his farrier today and he said it's time to start putting Stockholm tar on, I have the big tub of gloopy stuff but my farrier said you can get tar in a spray bottle (like flyspray) as it's easier to apply.

I've only ever seen aerosol cans before but like my farrier said, they never last very long!

So does anyone know where you can buy the spray tar?

Thanks!
 
Absolutely brilliant for winter feet. We always used it an never had problems with thrush or grotty feet, no matter how much water they stood in. Used to put the can on top of the paraffin heater in the tack room to soften it enough to use.
 
Old fashioned can and a pastry brush worked fine in the winter for me. Sometimes you want it to be nice and thick so it actually stays where you put it. And aerosols contain more air than product so are poor value.
 
Am I weird that I don't mind getting it on my hands - it does wonders for keeping fingernails nice and strong and it cleans off with oil & sugar :)
 
fatpiggy said:
All sorts of things. Healthy hooves, as a decorative hoof oil, on open wounds to keep the flies off.
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So my thing is, just because we have been doing it that way for the last 200 years doesn't necessarily mean it's right. It just means that someone thought it was (bleeding, pin firing etc) and hopefully we have moved on.

I mean seriously, would you put it on an open wound on yourself or the kids?
 
NZJenny said:
So my thing is, just because we have been doing it that way for the last 200 years doesn't necessarily mean it's right. It just means that someone thought it was (bleeding, pin firing etc) and hopefully we have moved on.

I mean seriously, would you put it on an open wound on yourself or the kids?
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Its only Pine Tar - antiseptic and if it were all you had you would.

Its great stuff, just because us oldies used it doesn't mean it has no value in modern day - there are many modern treatments that I would not let near my horse. The worst one being 'Wound Powder' - nasty stuff causes proud flesh in the most small wounds.
 
NZJenny said:
So my thing is, just because we have been doing it that way for the last 200 years doesn't necessarily mean it's right. It just means that someone thought it was (bleeding, pin firing etc) and hopefully we have moved on.

I mean seriously, would you put it on an open wound on yourself or the kids?
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When I sprained my ankle very badly I used a cohesive bandage and a tube of arnica cream from my vet box. I believe pin-firing still goes on and haven't you ever heard of medical leeches? It wouldn't bother me to slap on some Stockholm Tar, especially if I was in the back of beyond with no medical assistance.
 
NZJenny said:
So my thing is, just because we have been doing it that way for the last 200 years doesn't necessarily mean it's right. It just means that someone thought it was (bleeding, pin firing etc) and hopefully we have moved on.

I mean seriously, would you put it on an open wound on yourself or the kids?
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Oh yes!!!!!. I had an ear infection for two years , nothing could shift it , both ears. Went to the specialist,who noted that they had tried the entire repertoire of modern medicine stuck lint strips soaked in Stockholm tar in both ears . The problem cleared within 8 hours. I could actually feel it clearing. My only regret is that I never went back to tell him how great the treatment was. The only reason that stockholm tar isnt promoted more is that as an "old remedy" no one will earn massive bucks selling it as a treatment.
 
NZJenny said:
So my thing is, just because we have been doing it that way for the last 200 years doesn't necessarily mean it's right. It just means that someone thought it was (bleeding, pin firing etc) and hopefully we have moved on.

I mean seriously, would you put it on an open wound on yourself or the kids?
Click to expand...
Er, I have used it on myself....Fell off a horse, nasty gravel rash, couple of quite deep pock marks and no fly repellent available, needed to finish my 50 mile ride! A friend gave me some, It stung a bit, but it wasn't awful.
I don't think it's as useful in NZ and Australia NZJenny but in the UK where you have MUD and moisture for so much of the year it's brilliant stuff. It's water repellent as well as anti bacterial.
As a vet it's still my go to for use in the holes left after an abscess ruptures in the sole: a twist of cotton wool dipped in Stockholm tar and wedged in the hole works brilliantly.
There are plenty of old remedies that are still very useful. Hydrogen peroxide, Icthamol and benzoyl peroxide all spring to mind. And hospitals with MRSA are finding SUNLIGHT, BLEACH and fresh air are the best ways to kill the bugs in operating theatres. Their biggest issue is turning out to be the fact that theatres are built with windows that don't open, for "hygiene" purposes...
 
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