It's a Good Thing When Stuff Breaks

1/21/2016

As I said a week or so ago, there are never dull moments when Speedy is around.

It was suggested that I soak Speedy's hoof in an Epsom Salt bath in order to draw out some of the soreness that is making him lame. I am still pretty sure he's just bruised, and he's nearly back to 100%.

I've soaked a few horses' hooves before, so I know it can be a disconcerting experience for the more sensitive ponies out there. Speedy let me gently lower his foot into the warm bath. After two minutes, he seemed to be relaxing, so I slowly started to brush his neck and shoulder hoping to relax him even more.

Nope. In a freak out moment, he jerked his foot out of the bucket, launched it sideways, and then he turned himself into a pretzel and flew out of the cross ties. He tried to sit down in his panic, but finally, the halter slipped over his ears, and he bolted.

I rounded up my terrified pony, soothed his little brain, and tried it all again. The second time, I only managed to pick his foot up before he kicked, re-launching the bucket and escaping the cross ties. The second time, the halter's breakaway piece snapped.

I love it when things work like they're supposed too!

I've been using the Tekna Halters for several years, and I love them! When I first blogged about using a synthetic halter, several readers expressed concern about whether or not the breakaway piece would work. I am happy to report that it snapped in half exactly as it was designed to do, leaving the halter unharmed.

Replacement piece

Riding Warehouse carries the breakaway piece for a paltry $4.50, less if you buy two or more. I had to use my own Loctite of course, but the halter is now good as new and a lot cleaner!

Ready to be back in service.

Normally, I hate breaking stuff, but this was one of those times when I was grateful something at the barn broke. I only hope I didn't jinx myself by not buying multiple breakaway pieces while I had the chance!

jenj

1/21/2016 06:22:07 am

Oh man, soaking and buckets. I now use one of those round black squishy feed tubs for soaking instead of an actual bucket, because I've had exactly what you had happen one too many times. It's like having a foot in water short circuits their brains, I swear!

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/21/2016 06:43:52 am

I later tried with a black rubber bucket, but he wouldn't let me get it anywhere near him. Oh well. I didn't have a lot of faith in the efficacy of the soak at this stage anyway. :0)

emma link

1/21/2016 10:13:57 am

poor Speedy, soaking is the *worst*... the one time i had to soak my mare's foot for a few days, i ended up borrowing one of those soaking boots that straps on to the hoof (then you can just pour the warm water mixture in, repeatedly as necessary if they slosh it around) so that she could graze/roam on a lead line rather than be tied in one place...

1/23/2016 10:29:10 am

He's a big cry baby. If I had to soak for real, I'd definitely get a soaking boot!

Olivia link

1/21/2016 11:08:00 am

We have a soaking boot. I think it only cost about $20 and it makes soaking so, so much easier. This way they can shuffle around but still keep on soaking.

1/23/2016 10:30:32 am

If I had to soak regularly, I'd get a boot for sure.

Teresa link

1/23/2016 01:39:57 pm

Yes- the soaking boot is a life saver. It's one of those things that are useful to have in your first aid kit.

Irish used to launch his water everywhere. I swore that he would wait until I relaxed. Rather then be afraid, he seemed to find it amusing.

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage