Dreaded Mud Fever

[gemjar82]

Hi everyone, my gelding is prone to mud fever, so to stop it his legs are keratex powdered every morning. When hes being ridden out the mud is getting up into his brushing boots and his hair is matting as its being rubbed. I was just wondering if i was to cut his fetlock hair off if that would increase his chances of getting mud fever or if im using the keratex it wouldnt matter if his fetlocks were trimmed? He needs to wear his boots out as he does brush behind. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanksx

 

[teddyt]

If your horse currently has mud fever then clipping may help to get air to it. If not then clipping could remove some protection from the legs. Some people clip, some dont. I personally have found that feathers help offer some protection against MF. You could just clip the bit of hair under the brushing boot, as opposed to the whole fetlock? Or try a different pair of boots to see if that makes any difference.

 

[chancing]

Lather his legs in vaseline...i have found it works great for keeping the mud off and you can wash it off. Also helps to clean up some of those nasty scabs!

best of luck

 

[gemjar82]

Thanks guys i think i will leave his fetlocks on for now as he does not have MF at the moment. I could cut the bit off thats getting rubbed! Thats a good idea about the boots, a friend has said N.E.W have boots with a fluffy inside so i think ill try those.