How To Soak a Horse's Hoof

Hoof soak materials are basics that horse owners should always have on hand. When issues or injuries arise, you’ll be grateful to already have these tack room essentials. 

Here’s everything you need for a hoof soak:

• A clean, sturdy tub or bucket sized for a hoof
• Warm (not hot) water
• Soaking agents (Epsom salts, medicated soaks, herbal soaks)
• Towels, plastic wrap, or for post-soak protection
• Rubber mats or liners to prevent slipping

Now that you have your supplies, here’s how to soak a horse hoof.

By following these six simple steps, you’ll help keep your horse safe and comfortable. 

Collect all your supplies in advance and keep them within reach throughout the process. Choose a flat, non-slip footing area to ensure you and your horse remain steady. 

It can be useful to have someone else there to help you, especially if your horse is agitated or distressed. You can either tie up your horse or have a partner safely hold them.¹

By staying calm and organized, the soak will be a breeze for both you and your horse.

You can fill either a clean tub or a bucket with warm water. Test it with your hand to ensure it’s not too hot, as this can burn or irritate a hoof, especially in a sensitive area. Then, add your soaking agent, such as Epsom salts, a trusted hoof soak product, or essential oils. (We’ll go through these different soak options in the next section.)

Safely get your horse into the soak. Gently lift the hoof and place it into the solution, taking care to immerse the entire frog and sole. 

If your horse won’t stand still with their hoof in a bucket, consider using a hoof soak boot, a convenient and mess-free alternative.

Let the hoof soak for 40-60 minutes, following the recommendation of your veterinarian or the product instructions.

Once time’s up, lift the hoof and let excess water drain from it. Then, use a clean towel to thoroughly dry the frog, sole, and hoof crevices. Ensure that no packed dirt, debris, or pus remains. 

This step is very important, as bandages won’t stick to a wet hoof. Additionally, prolonged wetness can lead to hoof cracks, abscesses, or infections like thrush.²

After a soak, you may need to apply a topical medication or hoof care ointment, based on the issue you’re dealing with and your veterinarian’s recommendation. If you need to apply medication, securely wrap or boot the hoof to ensure the medication stays on and properly absorbs. If an abscess ruptures after this point, replace the bandage with a dry wrap. 

Continue with follow-up soaks until symptoms improve. Soaks can be administered daily, but if the hoof doesn’t show signs of improvement, contact your vet or farrier.³

If the hoof soak was simply for cleaning or routine maintenance, then your horse is all set once the hoof is dry. 

How often do hooves need to be soaked? Should you only soak your horse’s hooves during an infection? 

Here are our expert recommendations:

• For abscesses – Hooves can be soaked daily until the abscess either drains or starts to improve. 
• For thrush or frog rot – Use a soak for 3-5 days a week, repeating if the infection returns.⁶
• For routine hoof hygiene – Hooves can be soaked weekly or as part of your regular horse hoof cleaning schedule. 

Remember: By routinely removing dirt and debris, properly drying hooves, and cleaning stalls regularly, you can help reduce the likelihood of infections. Preventative soaks and proactive cleaning measures help reduce the need for medicated soaks and ointments down the line. 

Now that you know how to soak a horse’s hoof, you’re ready for a few extra tips. Keep these tips in mind to promote both safety and comfort during the process:

• Never use extremely hot water – Prepare the soak with warm water that’s comfortable enough to have your hand in. 
• Keep your horse calm and secure – Reassure your horse and ensure they don’t step out of the soak too early. Feel free to incentivize with treats!
• Avoid cross-contamination between hooves – Don’t re-use the same soak between hooves. Empty out the bucket and start from scratch for each.
• Contact your vet when necessary – Be vigilant for signs of severe infection, heat, or systemic illness.

With diligence and proactivity, you can safeguard against disease and maintain strong horse health.

Vetericyn’s specially formulated hoof soak is designed to remove harmful contaminants and buildup, providing a first line of defense against thrush, abscesses, white line disease, and other sole and frog damage. 

And remember: Clean, consistent care goes a long way in supporting hoof recovery. Boost soaking and treatment routines with our gentle sprays and wound care products, aimed to promote comfort and healing alongside a hoof soak. From the Vetericyn FoamCare® Equine Medicated Shampoo to the Vetericyn Plus® Antimicrobial Dressing Gel, our vet-recommended formulas clean, soothe, and protect from head to hoof.

Explore non-toxic horse care products today.