Question 1

What is a soaking boot?

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a soaking boot is to promote healing for the injured hoof and help prevent or fight an infection. They're typically made from rubber and are designed to fit over the injured hoof and to fill with a mixture of water and medicine to soak into the hoof. They come in several different shapes and sizes. 
Hoof conditions that can be treated with a soaking boot include abscesses, thrush, puncture wounds, and bruised hooves. A soaking boot is filled with warm water and Epsom Salts or medicine to soften the horse's hoof and to aid the healing process of the hoof.

Question 2

How do you use soaking boots for horses?

Accepted Answer

A soaking boot should be gently slid onto the problematic hoof. After that a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt should be added to the boot. If needed, you can also add medicine to the boot. You can also add the mixture before putting the boot on the hoof. Make sure the horseshoe is seated properly and let the hoof soak for 10-30 minutes.
After the soaking period, rinse the hoof with clean warm water. Apply a thin layer of vet wrap to the affected area. Let the vet wrap dry completely before putting on a new boot. The boots should be cleaned and dried before every use.

Question 3

What do Epsom salts do for horses?

Accepted Answer

Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is an ingredient in horse feeds, which provides a supplemental source of magnesium where required, to maintain normal muscle, nerve, and gut motility functions. It is commonly used to help soothe a horse's muscles after a hard workout. 
Epsom Salts have been used as a general tonic for horses for many years. It increases the fluid content of the body, relieves muscular tension, relaxes the bowel, stimulates the appetite, and promotes healthy hoof growth. Epsom Salt is a soluble salt that readily dissolves in water. When mixed with water, it produces a solution with a pH of 7.0 which makes it safe for horses to ingest. Epsom Salts are generally safe for all horses, even those that are pregnant or lactating. 
However, Epsom Salts are known for their laxative properties so you should be careful to not give your horse too much of it as it can quickly develop diarrhea.

Question 4

How do you soak a horse's hoof with Epsom salt?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing to remember when treating a horse's hoof is to have a good look at the condition of the hoof and make sure it is clean and dry before applying any treatment.
To prepare a Epsom Salts solution, use a mixing bowl. Fill the mixing bowl with very warm water. Add a few teaspoons of Epsom Salts to the warm water and mix thoroughly. Calculate exact amount of Epsom Salts according to the manufacturer instructions. Normal ratio for the mixture is 2 cups of Epsom salts and a squirt of betadine solution per gallon of water.
You should soak your horse's hoof for up to 3 times par day for 10 to 30 minutes. The treatment should last for 3 more days after the pain in hoof has gone to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

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