As a working farrier who deals with every kind of hoof, racing, trekking, dressage, polo, and everything in between. I’ve seen my fair share of sore, bruised, and inflamed feet. Over the years, I’ve tested a range of hoof packing products, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest: Magic Cushion by Absorbine. It's fast-acting, easy to use, and reliable in all weather. I don’t just use it on horses I work on, I also supply it directly to top racing stables throughout New Zealand. If you're a farrier, vet, equine owner, or stable manager looking for a tried-and-true solution for hoof discomfort, read on.
What Is Magic Cushion?
Magic Cushion is a veterinary-formulated hoof packing designed to provide fast-acting relief from hoof inflammation and soreness. Developed by the team at Absorbine and trusted by professionals worldwide, Magic Cushion is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial all in one. The formulation draws out heat, relieves sole bruising, and fights bacterial growth. All crucial for maintaining soundness in hard-working horses.
It’s ideal for horses that are performing at peak level, recovering from bruising, battling hard ground, or transitioning to barefoot. From racing thoroughbreds to high-mileage trekking horses, Magic Cushion gives hooves the support they need from the inside out.
How Does Magic Cushion Work?
The key to Magic Cushion’s success is its unique blend of natural ingredients and scientifically backed compounds. The packing penetrates deep into the hoof, drawing out heat and inflammation within just one hour of application. Unlike some other products that simply mask pain, Magic Cushion actively addresses the root cause: inflammation, bruising, or bacterial invasion.
It’s not just cooling, it's therapeutic. The pliable, resin-based compound conforms to the sole, filling voids and covering the sensitive frog and bars. This ensures maximum contact with sore areas and makes it easy to use under a pad or wrap.
Key Benefits of Magic Cushion:
-
Reduces hoof heat in under one hour
-
Fast-acting pain relief for sore and bruised soles
-
Ideal for high-performance horses in racing, dressage, trekking, polo, and jumping
-
Trusted by farriers, vets, and top racing stables worldwide
-
Antibacterial properties support overall hoof health
-
Can be used with or without pads, in any weather conditions
How to Use Magic Cushion (Step-by-Step)
-
Clean the Hoof Thoroughly
Start with a clean, dry hoof. Use a stiff hoof brush to remove dirt, debris, and loose sole material. -
Apply a Generous Amount
Scoop a palm-sized portion of Magic Cushion and press it firmly into the sole and frog area. Cover all contact surfaces thoroughly. I like to wear gloves for application, it’s sticky stuff! -
Wrap or Pad (Optional)
For extra support or prolonged contact, cover the hoof with brown paper, plastic wrap, or hoof tape. If you're shoeing with pads, pack Magic Cushion directly under the pad before nailing on. -
Leave in Place
You can leave Magic Cushion in place for up to 24–48 hours depending on the severity of soreness or heat. For ongoing maintenance, use once or twice a week as needed.
Why I Recommend Magic Cushion to Every Horse Owner
As someone who shoes for top racing stables and manages the needs of high-performance athletes, I can’t afford to take chances on sub-par products. I’ve seen Magic Cushion pull heat out of hooves faster than anything else on the market. After a tough gallop, it’s my go-to when a horse shows signs of sole tenderness or heat in the hoof capsule.
Magic Cushion is incredibly versatile. I use it:
-
Under pads during a shoeing cycle for ongoing support
-
After competition to reduce post-performance inflammation
-
On trekking horses dealing with hard-packed tracks
-
On young horses with thin soles transitioning to work
-
As a general preventive measure for stabled horses on hard ground
Who Is Magic Cushion For?
The beauty of Magic Cushion is that it’s not just for one discipline—it’s for every horse that puts weight on their feet. Whether you’re a professional trainer or weekend trekker, this is a staple for your hoof care kit.
-
Farriers: Use Magic Cushion as part of your post-trim protocol for sore-footed horses or those transitioning from shoes to barefoot.
-
Veterinarians: Recommend it for horses recovering from laminitis, bruises, or mild abscesses.
-
Horse Owners: Use it between farrier visits or after intense rides to promote comfort and prevent soreness.
-
Racing Stables: Keep your racehorses in peak condition by reducing downtime due to sore feet. Can be used Pre and Post Racing/
-
Trekking and Trail Horses: Magic Cushion is a godsend for long-distance horses on mixed or rocky terrain.
-
Dressage & Jumping Horses: Protect against concussion-related soreness from hard arenas or competition surfaces.
Why It’s Better Than Other Hoof Packing Products
I’ve tested other hoof packs and fillers, but few match the long-lasting effect, ease of use, and speed of relief that Magic Cushion delivers. Here’s how it stands out:
-
Fast Relief
Reduces hoof heat within 1 hour. That’s not a marketing line—it’s something I’ve witnessed repeatedly on the job. -
Antibacterial Protection
While some hoof packs provide cushioning, Magic Cushion adds an antimicrobial punch that helps prevent common hoof infections and thrush. -
Use Under Pads or Alone
Some products break down under pads or become ineffective when sealed in. Magic Cushion stays active, cushioning and treating the hoof throughout the entire shoeing cycle. -
All-Weather Use
Rain or shine, Magic Cushion holds its integrity. I use it during wet New Zealand winters and dry summer months with the same reliable results. -
No Harsh Chemicals
It’s made with natural ingredients like turpentine and iodine, and does not contain banned substances, safe for racehorses under competition rules.
What the Pros Say (and What I’ve Seen Firsthand)
Farriers across the globe swear by it, and so do vets. Some of the best names in the racing industry have Magic Cushion in their barns, not just for emergencies, but as a staple part of their horses’ wellness routine.
Just last season, I worked with a Group One-winning racehorse showing signs of sole sensitivity after a fast-track run. We packed with Magic Cushion, applied a pad, and within a day the inflammation had cooled significantly. That horse was back on the track and won his next start, testament to the product's speed and efficacy.
FAQs About Magic Cushion
Q: Can I use Magic Cushion on barefoot horses?
A: Absolutely. It’s a top choice for barefoot horses dealing with bruising or hard terrain. Just pack it in and wrap the hoof overnight.
Q: How often can I apply it?
A: As needed. For therapeutic purposes, you can use it daily until heat or pain subsides. For maintenance, once a week or after hard work is usually enough.
Q: Does it expire?
A: It has a long shelf life. Just keep the lid sealed tightly and store it at room temperature. If it becomes too firm, warm it slightly for easier application.
Q: Will it interfere with glue-on shoes or hoof adhesives?
A: No, just be sure to clean the hoof thoroughly before applying any adhesives if you're switching from Magic Cushion to glue-ons.
Where to Buy Magic Cushion in NZ
We supply Magic Cushion directly from our base here at Maneline Cambridge to farriers, vets, and horse owners across New Zealand. Our online store offers fast nationwide shipping, click-and-collect, and exclusive trade discounts for hoof care professionals.
🛒 Shop Magic Cushion here
📦 Available in 1.8kg and 3.6kg tubs
🚚 Ships nationwide, all weather, all seasons
Click the Buy Now Button: BUY NOW
If you work with horses, whether you’re shoeing, treating, riding, or racing, Magic Cushion should be in your tack room. It’s one of the most effective, farrier-approved solutions for managing hoof heat, soft soles, sole soreness, and post-performance inflammation. It works fast, lasts long, and delivers results you can count on. From the racetrack to the trails, it’s one product I always keep stocked, and so should you.
Got questions? Reach out to us anytime! We're hoof care people through and through