Duct Tape and Hoof Boots Tip

Here is a tip that might help you someday.  If for example, your horse gets a ding on a heelbulb and you are thinking "I better not ride him barefoot or I could irritate that, and if I put boots on I could also irritate it" - this might just work so that you can protect it and still ride or at least protect it so it can heal.  Just make sure it's not something that is a serious wound or could be made worse by riding - I'm referring here to regular everyday dents and dings that our horses tend to get being horses (in other words, use common sense). 

Take a piece of duct tape and cover the ding.  Let's assume in this photo that there is a small ding of some sort on my horses heel bulb area.  I just want to make sure that the boot I put on won't bother it.  So I cover that area with a strip of duct tape.   You may have to adjust the amount of duct tape to fit over the area and to stay secure. 

Next, take a second piece of duct tape and line the inside of the boot in the same area that will contact the spot on your horse you want to protect.

What this does is, it now provides protection to that area and duct tape will be rubbing on duct tape.  You may need to play around to get the amount of duct tape right.  Sometimes adding more layers may be necessary.  Be sure and practice with this in small amounts.  If you need to turn your horse out in boots and are trying to protect a tender heel bulb it will be a good idea to check after a few hours and make sure everything has stayed in place and that this isn't doing anything to make the problem worse. 

This photo shows me removing the tape from the horse - you can see that it comes off without pulling all of the hair out.  One less thing to worry about. 

If you are treating a more serious wound you may wish to apply salve or medicine, then cover with vetwrap or duct tape before putting the boot on.  Some wounds may heal quicker if they are protected and kept clean.  Just please be sure to use common sense and keep checking to make sure everything is okay!