Horse glue is a curious thing. Not only does it hold horses together, but it can also be used as a smart bomb!
Horse glue was one of the first things we taught at The Smart Bomb Academy, and we still use it today. It is a wonderful way to fix up old school horse paintings and posters, or any other surface that can be stuck down.
It is possible to purchase horse glue that is mixed with veggie glues, but we do not use those. We find that the texture of the horse glue is much better with the vegetable glue alone. Plus, our students do not want to chug vegetable glue if they do not have to use it on the same day.
Horse glue can be difficult to measure out and use. Some people have trouble remembering how much honey and water needed to be placed in order for it to work.
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Helps joints move more smoothly
Joints aren’t the only parts of your horse that need glue. The small, sticky pieces of tape you use to put on his feet are called glue tabs.
Heel clamps are also glued on, making it slightly more difficult for your horse to move his foot. This is a problem when trying to help him get back on his feet after an injury or surgery.
Horse glue is usually used on joints such as the knee or ankle where there is a lot of movement. It helps prevent pain and difficulty in walking, going forward, or getting up.
When using glue on joints, it is important to make sure the area is dry before applying any glue. After putting in the joint piece of tape and brushing off any excess glue, applying the second layer of joint tape and pulling it snug is the best way to ensure no water gets through and/or into the joint.
Reduces stiffness and aching
Horse glue is a defamiliarization in most horse quarters. Most horses do not know what it is or how to use it!
When too much glue is applied to a joint, it can reduce the strength of the muscle and stick together with excessive pressure. This can be problematic if you need your horse to stay active or if you have other horses in your care.
Horse glue is typically used at two different concentrations: too much is considered glue on the skin and too little is considered paint on the bone. At two thousandths of an ounce (a little over one gram) per horse, two tablespoons (about one and a half spoons) will last quite awhile.
We recommend always having at least two types of glue on hand as paint can sometimes be hard on the bones and skin.
Can help reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications
Horse glue is a unique and interesting material. It has been described as sticky, soft, and resilient.
When dissolved into a water solution, it becomes super-strong glue. When applied to a surface, it hardens and stays where placed.
It can be used for many things: fasteners, medical procedures, & decorations. Of all these uses, medical procedures are the most common.
When glued to a piece of equipment or equipment, you must remove it before the glue solidifies and stays where placed. This is important for privacy or safety purposes!
Horse glue is very expensive; most institutions require prior approval to purchase it.
Helps keep hooves healthy
Horse glue is a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and talc. It works by softening the callus that develops on the hoof when it is walking.
When the glue hardens, it remains in place. This allows the horse to continue to practice his/her new skill set of walking with a trot or canter.
However, if the horse walks with a soft hobble, then he or she will need to replace the glue every few weeks as it comes loose.
Strengthens hair and nails
Horse glue is a medium-to-large animal glue. It is made from the dried blood of horses, called leiros.
Heuette glue was first created in the 1980s by a zoologist to restore hair and nails when livestock were bought or sold. It is still used in that manner today!
Heuette glue can be mixed with any kind of liquid, but it usually needs to be water first. Then the horse glue can be brushed onto the hair and nails.
It takes some time for heuette glue to work. After about an hour, the hair and nails are strong enough to stay glued, but they look messy and strange. Then it takes another day for it to fully dry.
Heuette glue is useful when trying to preserve hairstyles or designs that do not require quick fixes.
A great natural alternative to synthetic adhesives
Horse glue is a very effective way to repair many kinds of wounds. It can be used as a sterilizing agent, covering open wounds, or removing a part of a animal and using it as a new tissue growth factor for new tissue.
Typically, horse glue is applied around the wound and left until it sets. This allows the glue to fully take hold and prevent any escape. Once it does set, it can be cleaned easily with water and some mild soap.
Some people use horse glue as an alternative to surgical adhesives such as tack-thread or staples.
Easy to use
Horse glue is a low cost way to fix your horses shoes when they get sore or wear off. It does not last as long as more expensive brands, but for emergency use, it is fine.
How to use horse glue correctly is by setting it under the sole of the horse’s foot and then walking with him until the glue has set. This will take a few minutes depending on how well the glue has mixed with the skin.
To get some more glue try using another finger and applying some onto the roofs of your hand to add some more glue. Or mix some dish soap and water to create a solution that can be applied top to bottom on the sole of the horse’s foot.
Lasts until hair grows back fully
Horse glue is a staple in equestrian culture. It can be found in most horse supply stores, tack shops, and online sellers.
Heathers has been around for many years and still offers horse glue as a product. It still sells, too!
Heathers suggests using it as a late-season repair or to keep some tack in your bag. It can also be used as an emergency hair restoration product.
Many riders say it works great on all kinds of leather including suede and rubberized surfaces. It does not work well on hair that is very long but not thick so it has to be careful about how much you use leftover glue.
Heathers also recommends checking for skin contact with the glue area before every use to make sure nothing is causing pain or sticking.