Re: When it's nice...

["Mieske" <mmieske@netonecom.net>]

Though I am dismayed to hear about "ice" so close to home (I know old man
winter is waiting to swoop down upon us here in Michigan as well), I am
happy to hear of your positive experience and wanted to share a tip about
getting snow and ice balls out of hooves.  It's a bugger, I know.  Nelson
deals with that alot in the winter when he's trimming horses.  Anyway, he
uses the thin side of his rasp (but you could use any similar tool that is
long and flat or even round) and taps across the front section of the toe.
Sometimes one tap and it will jump right out at you.  Other times, it takes
a couple of whacks.  But it is possible to get the whole thing out in one
chunk and it's sooooo easy.  You might have to practice a few times but it
won't be long and you'll be good at it.  Also spraying the bottoms of your
horse's hooves with Pam (or a similar vegetable oil spray) will help resist
the build up (notice I said resist not prevent) and make it easier to clean
as well.  Good luck!
Maggie
northern Michigan