As you walk your gelding to the barn you notice a hitch in his step, but a closer examination reveals no evidence of trauma. Could it be another abscess? What do you do?

In last week’s online poll, we asked our readers what they typically do first if they suspect their horse has a hoof abscess. More than 1,000 people responded and we’ve tallied the results!

Of the 1,076 poll respondents, 508 (48%) said they start soaking the affected foot in Epsom salts and water if they suspect an abscess. Another 214 individuals (20%) said they call the farrier, while 192 (18%) call the vet if they suspect an abscess. Some 113 people (11%) said they apply a poultice bandage, and 49 respondents (5%) said they do something different.