Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: Kicking rings/therapeutic massage rings

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Horse Care and Comfort

Kicking rings/therapeutic massage rings

By:

renjaho - Hamburg, Germany

Date:

2016-Dec-22 at 08:38PM

Hi,

I'm not sure, if I am in the right column with my question, but I am sure it will be okay :-)

Recently I had a customer who's horse was very sore in his back, together with massive hoof problems. The last farrier cut them completely to the ground and was fired afterwards, because the horse was so lame.

I told her that we would have to wait for his hoofs to grow, it would not make any sense to start treating his spinal issues now, because the malposition of his hoofs would move his spine back to where it is at the moment. This would only cost her more money, so we will wait for his hoofs.

I talked to her new farrier, who is really doing a great job and told him about the kicking/therapeutic massage rings. He was really excited about this idea, but there is one thing we need more information about, before we can build them.

As Monty always mentions, the rings he uses are made of an iron copper composition. Is there anything known about how many % are out of iron and how many % are out of copper?

I am really looking forward to your answers :-)

JoHewittVINTA 2016-Dec-24 at 06:00PM

Hi Renjaho. Welcome to the forum. I'm not able to answer your question but there are things that can be done to make this horse more comfortable & speed up recovery. In Britain, when laminitis strikes, we bandage a foam pad to the bottom of the hooves to support & cushion the feet. Doing this, at relatively little cost, would greatly ease discomfort. The vet will advise on the foam which comes in sheets & can be cut to size. Secondly, applying beef dripping or lard, or a combination of the two, to the top of the hoof will speed the regrowth of healthy hoof. These products can be bought at a supermarket or butchers shop very cheaply. Being wintertime you can combat the problem of low temperatures by heating the beef dripping and/or lard until liquid- that's how you would combine the two to reduce costs as here lard is much cheaper than beef dripping. Once liquified, remove pan from heat & stir in vegetable oil which creates the consistency of spreadable butter when cooled. To combat foot infections such as thrush you can also add teatree oil. Unlike many commercial products this is not a blister & can be applied to the entire foot. It's great for keeping horses sound when the ground is hard during very dry/drought conditions & when applied to the soles & heels facilitates avoiding balling up in snowy conditions. One word of warning. Do NOT apply within 36 hours of your farrier coming - he will really struggle to grip the feet & will not be happy! You can apply by hand or with a paint brush. If you use your hand you'll find your fingernails will also grow quicker & stronger. Good luck. Cheers. Jo.

Miriam (Holland&Germany) 2016-Dec-26 at 05:45PM

Hi renjaho,
Good to see you again on the forum!

About the kicking rings: I think you mixed up the material of Monty's snaffle bit and the rings! The snaffle is made of copper and sweet iron, the kicking rings are made of "black, iron-bar stock, appox.15 mm in diameter, shaped like a horse shoe". Quote 'From My Hands To Yours' by Monty Roberts. You'll find the way to measure them on page 171-173

It'll be important to do an exact measuring, so I suggest you show this to the farrier!

Since you're in Hamburg, did you know Monty is planning to come to Elmshorn on April 7, 2017?! You'll find me at the Equus Online Uni desk, no doubt! Come and say hello!!!

Keep us posted on the kicking rings,
Miriam