Gum boots for horses.

This research provides an inventive and cost-effective solution for the treatment and maintenance of horse hooves using car inner tubes as makeshift rubber ‘gum’ boots. The method suggested not only serves to protect hoof wounds or cuts from mud but also aids in the treatment of abscessed feet through soaking in disinfectants or Epsom salts.

Methodology

• The procedure involves sliding a horse’s foot inside a car inner tube such that the endpoint of the tube is above the horse’s fetlock (ankle).
• Thereafter, the other end of the tube is folded up to the same height and firmly tied around the foot between the hoof and fetlock using bailing twine.
• To avoid the horse standing on the loose ends of the tube, the tube should be folded up the front for front feet and up the back for the back feet.

Preventive measures

• Beforewards, the toe of the hoof should be smoothly rasped rounded so that the sharp end doesn’t cut through the rubber.
• If the boot is required to be left on for a few days, applying vaseline around the pastern prevents the boot from chafing the horse’s leg.

Notes on Usage and Durability

• The author suggests one inner tube can be used to make two gum boots.
• Boots show decent durability on soft ground and can last several days. However, users should keep an eye out for any signs of chafing (although the author notes this isn’t usually a significant issue).
• On hard surfaces like concrete, these makeshift boots may quickly wear out, with potential for holes to develop in about 10 minutes of use.