EPSOM SALTS ARE USED AS AN ANTI INFLAMMATORY AND DRYING AGENT WHEN USED EXTERNALLY. FOR A HORSE WITH A SUSPECTED ABSCESS IN THEIR HOOF, SOAK THE FOOT IN A MIXTURE OF WARM WATER AND EPSOM SALTS. IT RELIEVES SOME OF THE PAIN AND PRESSURE OF THE ABSCESS AND DRIES OUT THE HOOF TO DRAW THE ABSCESS OUT.