Maintaining healthy, pain-free hooves is essential for every horse owner, farrier, and trainer. Whether your horse is a high-performance racehorse, a competitive show horse, or a beloved companion, hoof health impacts performance, comfort, and long-term soundness. One product trusted across the equine industry is Absorbine Magic Cushion Hoof Packing.
In this blog, we explore Magic Cushion from three key perspectives: a farrier, a racing trainer, and a competitive horse owner. We’ll also explain the differences between Magic Cushion and Magic Cushion Xtreme, and when to use each for optimal results.
1. A Farrier’s Perspective: Keeping Hooves Healthy and Comfortable
As a farrier, my primary goal is to ensure horses remain comfortable, sound, and able to perform their best. One of the most common challenges I encounter is hot or sore hooves, caused by abscesses, bruising, laminitis or a heavy work load. Over the years, I have found Magic Cushion Hoof Packing to be a great solution.
How Magic Cushion Works
Magic Cushion is a soft, pliable hoof packing that provides shock absorption, cushioning, and relief for tender areas. When applied to the sole or frog, it:
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Reduces pressure and pain on bruised areas
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Draws out excess heat from the hoof within 1 hour of application
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Protects sensitive hooves from further impact
Its natural, safe formula makes it suitable for all horses and disciplines, and it’s incredibly easy to use. Simply pack the material into the hoof and secure with tape or a hoof wrap. Most stables, simply apply shavings to on top of the Magic Cushion and then wrap, or even a Hoof boot is handy.
Why Farriers Recommend It
From a professional standpoint, Magic Cushion:
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Promotes hoof comfort after shoeing
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Protects compromised hooves
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Can be used alongside hoof boots during rehabilitation
For more severe cases, such as abscesses or laminitis, I recommend Magic Cushion Xtreme, which is twice as potent and includes wool and natural leather fibers, providing longer-lasting cushioning and superior shock absorption.
2. Racing Trainer: Protecting High-Performance Hooves
In the racing world, hoof health is critical. Every detail counts, and sore or compromised hooves can significantly affect performance. The Absorbine Magic Cushion Hof Packing has become a staple in stables for preventing discomfort and protecting hooves during training and racing.
Magic Cushion Benefits for Racehorses
Racehorses are prone to bruising, soft soles, and laminitis due to intensive training and the track / weather conditions. Magic Cushion:
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Provides instant cushioning for tender hooves
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Reduces heat and soreness after gallops
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Protects hooves from impact on hard surfaces
For recurring bruising or soft soles, Magic Cushion Xtreme is ideal. Its denser composition with wool and leather fibers offers longer-lasting protection, ideal for high-performance or rehabilitation situations.
Real Results in Stables
Incorporating the Absorbine Magic Cushion in a racing stable:
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Speeds up recovery from hoof injuries
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Reduces sensitivity and swelling
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Improves hoof resilience and comfort during training
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3. Competitive Horse Owner: Show and Event Hooves
For owners competing in dressage, eventing, or horse shows, hoof health affects both performance and appearance. A horse with sore hooves may stumble, lose confidence, or underperform. Magic Cushion Hoof Packing is a must-have for competitive horse care.
How to Use Magic Cushion
Before a show or after long training sessions, apply Magic Cushion to:
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Protect against soreness from hard ground
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Cushion sensitive areas of the sole or frog
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Prevent discomfort during long days of competition
Its natural leather fiber, rosin and iodine provides the perfect relief for:
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Horses prone to laminitis or soft soles
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Horses or Ponies out on Long competition days
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Horses or Ponies training Hard or uneven surfaces (Trekking / Endurance)
Observed Benefits
Using Magic Cushion consistently leads to:
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Faster hoof recovery
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Reduced sensitivity or swelling
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Greater confidence in movement, improving performance
Magic Cushion vs Magic Cushion Xtreme: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Magic Cushion | Magic Cushion Xtreme |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Standard | Twice the potency |
| Fibers | Natural ingredients | Wool + natural leather fibers |
| Shock Absorption | Good | Superior |
| Duration | Short-term support | Long-lasting protection |
| Ideal Use | bruising, heat, tenderness &routine care | Severe bruising, laminitis, high-performance horses |
| Application | Simple and easy. Gloves needed as is sticky | Slightly firmer, for intensive conditions. Gloves needed for application |
Summary: Standard Magic Cushion is perfect for routine use or minor hoof issues, while Xtreme is ideal for high-performance, severe cases and cases that need quicker results.
How to Apply Magic Cushion Effectively
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Clean the Hoof: Remove dirt, debris, and old packing. Hoof Pick and or a wire brush is recommended
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Apply Magic Cushion: Pack generously into the frog and sole. Using Gloves is very helpful. Excess product may be removed with isopropyl alcohol. For packing under shoe and pad: Pack hoof sole with Magic Cushion prior to nailing or glueing on pad and shoe.
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Secure: For packing overnight, pack hoof sole with Magic Cushion to a depth of 1/2 inch. For optimal results, espcially barefoot horses, cover sole with paper or plastic, the cover the entire hoof and sole with self adhering wrap or hoof boot.
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Monitor: Check hooves daily and reapply every 24-48 hours until the conditional improves.
For Magic Cushion Xtreme, follow the same steps. Its denser texture ensures longer-lasting support in more demanding conditions.
Conclusion
Whether you are a farrier, racehorse trainer, or competitive horse owner, Absorbine Magic Cushion Hoof Packing is an essential product for maintaining healthy, comfortable hooves. It provides shock absorption, pain relief, and protection, allowing horses to perform at their best.
For more severe conditions or high-performance horses, Magic Cushion Xtreme offers enhanced durability, superior support, and longer-lasting relief. By incorporating these products into your hoof care routine, you’re protecting your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term soundness.