What is Pig oil?

Pig oil is a mineral based oil which is used on heavy horses with feather. Originally it was used on pigs to stop their skin from cracking hence it was given the name.

Traditionally it has been used for the following reasons:

* To prevent and control mud fever in wet and muddy conditions.
* To tackle feather mite and lice in horses and livestock.
* Helps to create a barrier against wet conditions around your horse’s legs to prevent a build-up of stable, muck and grass stains.
* Can also prevent cracked heels
* Provides a lustrous shine for show animals and livestock.
* Used to de-tangle manes, tails and feathers

Pig oil is available in many shops as well as your local country store. Many brand names sell it in large bottles so the price can vary although a little does go a long way.
As an alternative baby oil is also mineral oil and is similar, I regularly use this instead of pig oil as sometimes per litre its cheaper and its more refined but also usually contains paraffinum as an added ingredient.
Beware of pig oil being sold which is actually used car oil, always make sure you check the origin and make up of any oil you buy. You should always used animal grade pig oil on your horse.

For the treatment of mites and lice and also sores pig oil us usually mixed with Sulphur powder (yellow powder which is processed for animal use not for garden use) so that it forms a paste. Pig oil does not come mixed with Sulphur unless stated. Sulphur powder is widely available from most country stores in large tubs relatively cheaply (1.5kg for around £8 for a Battles branded tub). This is applied to the horses legs after they have been cleaned and dried thoroughly. You should use rubber gloves for this process if you are not sure if you will have a reaction to the mixture, it shouldnt bother your skin but this is just a precaution should you be sensitive to it. Rub down the legs allowing the oil to run over the hooves as you go. Do not pull up on the hair just rub down to the skin in a downward and side to side motion. Although it looks awful to start with it will sink in after a couple of days and you wont see it at all, it will though form a waterproof barrier which will help to tackle many feather issues as well as condition and care for the feathers in the long run, stopping breakage and tangles.

Because mites also breed in the mane and tail, the bases of these should also be treated. Only the base needs to be covered and just enough to cover the area. This will kill any mites which are breeding and living in these places. This will also help sweet itch as gnats and midges tend to die in the oil and they cannot bite.

When making up Pig oil and Sulphur it should be in a well ventilated place (without wind) or with a mask. It is not good to breath Sulphur powder into the lungs or to get it into the eyes.

To make up Pig oil / Sulphur mix in a container (ie ice cream tub) you should add the pig oil to the bucket / container first and then the Sulphur powder and mix them together by stirring or using your hand. Make it to the consistency of milk shake, not to runny, thick, but not too thick and then its ready to apply. I find the mixture is around 1L of oil to 1.5 cups of Sulphur powder although there's no real recipe so to speak and you can't really get it wrong! Don't worry about lumps you can press these out as you apply it.
Although this is a traditional remedy and still used widely today, horses should be patch tested with some pig oil or pig oil Sulphur mix on a small area before use as it can sting and even swell up the legs of some sensitive skinned horses so care should be taken and advice sought from a vet if desired.