Here is another way to treat thrush: Clean the foot thoroughly then apply peroxide. It reacts with all organic matter until it hits live tissue. It does not hurt the horse. It is safe-you can use it on your own cuts.

Hi I find a lot of horses do this when feeding have been told that it’s a sort of thank you for the food it makes sence as it’s always when they get fed

it is a behavior that developed from when horses were in the wild and would paw the ground to get grass in the snow and through thick brambles to get tender shoots.

All horse naturally eat from the floor. This is good for their backs and keeps their teeth in line, and there is no risk of getting caught in the fence.

Hey Lesley, I have found the oils do work but in our climate (I live in Bundaberg) the heat cooks the poor horse. A nurse friend suggested a sprinkle of copper sulphate in a bucket of water. Soak the area, massage and lift damaged skin away, then sunscreen. Inexpensive and works a treat!

Hi Steve: My new QH mare did this in the beginning with both front and back legs. It was very dangerous while trying to reach underneath and try to cinch up my saddle. My trainer came over and when she did that corrected her by jerking down on her halter every time she did it and said, “NO!” in a strong voice. And then she took the long end of the lead and gently swirled it around her legs until she stopped dancing and striking out her with legs. It didn’t hurt her anyway just made her aware nothing was going to hurt her, Anyway after one day my horse stopped doing both actions of pawing, I hope this helped. 😛