Venice Turpentine to toughen soles. How do I use it effectively?

[RidePasoFino]

Hi! This is my first time posting. 2 of my horses have ouchy feet. While riding them they tend to stumble frequently on hard surfaces or even small pebbles on the dirt roads. Any suggestions on how to thicken the sole of the foot or toughen them up? I was told to use Venice Turpentine, but I've never used it before and want to make sure to apply it properly and at the correct intervals. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :)

[calshoer]

Venice turpentine is somewhat sticky so basically you just paint or smear it on the soles. Every day generally works best. It is used it at the racetracks a lot. When I was at the track and using it , because the horse was usually going onto a straw bedded stall for the rest of the day, I added a thin sheet of paper cut to fit over the sole, stuck to the turpentine. This kept the sticky turpentine where it belonged and off the straw,at least for awhile. . Those brown roll paper towels from the restrooms work really good. Out in the dirt you will just have to paint it on and leave it at that, unless anybody has a better idea.

[Phil Armitage]

Make sure you purchase Venice Turpentine at a tack shop or farrier supply place, not turpentine in the paint shop or hardware store. Venice Turpentine can be over used and make the frog very hard and dry, the frog should be like an eraser not too soft or to hard. Another option is to try Keratex Hoof Hardner, they provide excellent instructions for there products and it is designed to improve the hoof qaulity. Can find out more about it on the Market place of the this site. I have heard alot of positives about it, and have ordered it to try on my horses.

[RidePasoFino]

Thank you so much for helping me. My horses are my babies and I try my best to give them the best possible care daily. I'll let you know how it goes! :)

[Ronald Aalders]

Hi,

I was just wondering reading your post, what about a nice crisp new set of shoes with the option to add a leather pad? Sure beats any paste you could put on your horses feet.

Just a thought.

Ronald Aalders

[Jaye Perry]

Hi,

I was just wondering reading your post, what about a nice crisp new set of shoes with the option to add a leather pad? Sure beats any paste you could put on your horses feet.
Just a thought.
Ronald Aalders

That a good idea, but take the venice of turpentine and apply to the bottom of the foot before the leather pads and sole felt is applied. this application is good for (just )sore feet.

Jaye

[Ronald Aalders]

Hi Jaye,

This does remind me of a shoer that showed me how to use iodine chrystals and turpentine to toughen up a foot. I told that to a pharmacist here in Europe and he was ready to call the hospital to get my lungs checked!

I'll pass on his advice here: don't ever do that no more! Let them be sore for a few days..............


Ronald Aalders

[StephClift]

here is my 2 cents, I have a little concoction that I have often recommended to those here in WA State. (you know we have webbed feet here right) I mix equal parts 7% iodine, Venice Turpintine and then add pine tar for consistancy. It is a great way to battle bacteria and help mushy frogs. I actually got this from a Farrier when I was a horse owner.