Consistency using these treatments is the key to success.



​Borax Soak (20 Mule Team) – Antifungal and Cleanser
Dilution - 2 Tablespoons per 1 Gallon of warm water or ½ Teaspoon per soaking boot of warm water. Soak for 30 minutes.

This helps to treat thrush and clean the hoof of dirt and debris. Should you have a separation between wall and white line, this helps to remove the impacted material. It also helps to dry out the hoof after the treatment.

I have used this up to 4 times a week. Once a week for maintenance.





​Apple Cider Vinegar Soak – Disinfectant
Dilution – 50/50 or 1 to 3 parts. Soak for 30 minutes.

ACV helps to restore the PH balance in the hoof. It helps to prevent thrush and fungus. For maintenance, spray in the central sulcus and collateral grooves after picking out.





Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that is highly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. You may put directly on infected tissue, (frog, collateral groove, heel bulbs, white line) or you can soak the hoof in water with a few drops of oil. I really like using Tea Tree oil because it penetrates immediately.





​Pete’s Potion – (Created by Pete Ramey)
Used for severe cases of thrush and fungus.
50/50 mix of Athlete’s Foot Cream (1% Clortrimazole) and Triple Antibiotic Cream. Mix together and put in a long tipped syringe.
Squirt into the central sulcus and collateral grooves. This helps to open up and heal a deep infected center sulcus. Use daily or every other day as needed.
I will also squirt some in these areas before I put my horse’s hoof boots on before a ride. This will ensure a good treatment for a couple of hours or more. This mix makes a world of difference in a short period of time!

  

Environmental Care  

Hygiene plays a big role in keeping thrush under control. Horses that walk in their own manure and urine will have a greater risk of thrush. The bacteria that causes thrush infection is found in manure and some soils. Not keeping your horse’s living environment clean will result in more exposure to the thrush causing bacteria. It is beneficial to Keep your horse’s hooves picked out. Prepare an area that is dry and poop free.

Insufficient Natural Movement  

When horses are not able to move about freely, impacted material is not able to be expelled naturally from the bottom of the hoof. This prevents the hoof tissue from receiving exposure to oxygen. The bacteria that causes thrush, lives in environments that have little oxygen and lots of moisture.  Also, a decrease in mobility will result in insufficient blood flow to the hoof’s vascular system. This will decrease the healing process of the infected tissue. Pea stone is great for areas where horses stand. It helps with the mechanics to promote increased blood flow and it helps to expel impacted material from the hoof. 

Hoof Maintenance

It is very important to enable self cleaning by having properly trimmed hooves. Properly trimmed hooves that are able to expand and contract can expel impacted material. It also allows proper blood flow when the soft tissue of the hoof can have contact with the ground during full impact. The following hoof pathologies can increase the risk of thrush infection: High wall, heel and bars, contracted heel, under run heel, frogs with unmaintained flaps and creases where bacteria can live. Keep your horses trimmed regularly and allow the natural mechanics of the hoof to take place. Flexion and blood flow are crucial to hoof rehabilitation. 

Immune System

A poor immune system can decrease your horses ‘ability to overcome thrush along with many other health issues. There are many homeopathic remedies and supplements to boost your horse’s immune system.  Consult with your veterinarian to determine any deficiencies. Hay and water analysis might also be worthwhile. A quality Probiotic is essential.