Feather…pass me the clippers

[MollyFell]

Daughter’s pony came earlier this year with pretty rubbish feather, I assumed they’d burnt off. I turned him away for a good few months and expected it to have start growing in but they’re worse! It’s his hinds mainly, do you more ‘experienced with hairies’ people think it’s from rubbing/scratching? There was no mud where he was on grass livery so this is all I can think of.

Only just brought him back in, will get them washed off and take a closer look for any nasties. Any hints or tips for encouraging growth (once any potential issues are resolved) would be greatly appreciated it. This is foreign territory for me

 

[J&S]

What a wonderfully wild looking little thing! I have no experience with feathers proper on my own ponies but at the RDA group I was a coach with, a pony with feathers like that would be clipped and tidied up so that they looked smart and any problems could be easily seen and any mud brushed off quickly when dry. To me they are not like cob feathers but more like overgrown M & M feathers.

 

[catkin]

If he is OK with it pigoil & sulphur.
Do a patch test first.

Then if all fine once clean and dry slather the feather with the oil and top up every few days. I check feather every day by combing upwards with a broad toothed comb and feel for any iffy patches with fingers but my natives are stabled overnight in winter.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I can’t quite make it out but the hinds look suspiciously like he’s bitten them-which means mites.
‘I’ve started using farriers equine shire oil for feather and I love it, much nicer to use than pig oil although probably not good for owners with nut allergies. I use their mite shampoo and spray to good effect also.

 

[MollyFell]

Thanks guys. I’d rather not clip them off if I can avoid it, will have a look in the daylight tomorrow. Not seen any evidence of itchiness but he’s probably being sneaky about it!

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Just to add to Catkins advice if the patch test for pig oil & sulphur doesn't go well you can get pig oil without the sulphur which may be easier (but you should still patch test).

 

[Rumtytum]

No advice on his feathers but his mane ? ??!!!

 

[MollyFell]

No advice on his feathers but his mane ? ??!!!

Looking a bit windswept in that photo ? I’m not usually a cob fan but I love the bones of him, he’s the best! Got a bit clipper happy before and whizzed his beard off, he’s so pretty

 

[Rumtytum]

Looking a bit windswept in that photo ? I’m not usually a cob fan but I love the bones of him, he’s the best! Got a bit clipper happy before and whizzed his beard off, he’s so pretty
View attachment 81810

Yes he is?

 

[Fransurrey]

I can’t quite make it out but the hinds look suspiciously like he’s bitten them-which means mites.
‘I’ve started using farriers equine shire oil for feather and I love it, much nicer to use than pig oil although probably not good for owners with nut allergies. I use their mite shampoo and spray to good effect also.

Never heard of this but definitely intrigued as I have to cut my boy's feathers to manage them in winter (lives out) and it's a PITA. How often do you need to apply it? I hated pig oil - seems to attract dirt more than anything!